The Book of Immortals

Shannon Kalvar

Contents Credits
Introduction 2 Editor
Richard Ford

The Path of Immortality 7 Cover Art

Randy Nunley
Wellsprings 21
Interior Illustrations
Adriano Batista, Alexandre Benhossi, Stacy Drum,
Covenants 77 Vitor Ishimura, Rhonda Libbey, Danilo Moretti,
Tony Parker, Sean Parnell, Philip Renne, Chad
Gifts 133 Sergesketter, Patricio Soler, Christophe Swal, Martijn
Vellinger
Challenges 190
Studio Manager
Ian Barstow
The Immortal World 227
Production Director
Aspiration to Transcendence 234 Alexander Fennell
Proof Reading
Immortal Characters 244 Jody MacGregor, Mark Quennell,
Sarah Quinnell, Ashley Tarmin
Index 250
Playtesting
Designer’s Notes 255 Elton Barbara, Tanya Bergen, Mark Billanie, Adam
Brimmer, Antoine Buttigieg, Simon Galea, Kenneth
Gatt, Mark Gedak, Daniel Haslam, Mark Howe,
License 256 Patrick Kossmann, Kent Little, Alan Moore, Murray
Perry, Daniel Scothorne, Mark Sizer, Michael Young

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Content of this work by any means without the written permission of the publisher is expressly forbidden. The
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1
INTRODUCTION

Introduction
B Welcome to The Book
efore light, before shadow, before darkness,
before earth and sky and sea, there existed
many beings. These beings made all that is, of Immortals
all that was and all that may ever be. They forged In The Book of Immortals, we turn our attention
the realms of existence: the planes, the seas, the gods to the fascinating adventures that take place when
– everything. None know their names, though all characters begin to transcend the limitations placed
people tell stories of them and their creations. Even upon mortals. They begin to deal with the gods as
the gods cannot speak truth about their nature. These equals or at least as individuals with enough power
beings, whatever they are, set the stage for all that to change the world in their own right. They deal
would come. directly with good and evil, law and chaos, in its
primal forms. They make bargains with celestial
Within the realms of existence,
one finds three states of being:
gods, mortals and beings who
stand somewhere between the
two. These latter beings, called
Immortals, wield powers far beyond
what mortals can hope to wield. They
can call up armies of spirits, spark the sky
into a raging blaze or shatter the earth with
a single blow from their mighty hands.
Great as their powers are though, they cannot
match the gods’ might.

Gods and Immortals wield incredible, world-

shaking powers, manipulate the fate of nations
and visit ruin upon those who oppose them.
They may have worshippers, temples, nations and
even entire worlds singing their praises. Most are as
fickle as cats and seemingly indifferent to the damage
done to lesser beings in their titanic struggles with
cosmic forces.

But where does that leave the common man? A mere

puppet to be toyed with; a pawn to be used in the
endless games of the gods? For those brave enough
to take on the seemingly impossible there is hope,
for mortals can become Immortals. They can take up
arms against the gods themselves, shaping destiny to
suit their personal whims. Their powers can shelter
nations, strike down mountain ranges and shatter the
barriers between worlds.

The greatest challenge awaits you. Do you dare

to take up the reins of power? Do you dare to
challenge the forces of the universe, to take your
place among the stars?

Do you dare to become an Immortal?

2

beings, play devils off against one another and
may even develop a cult dedicated to their eventual
deification.
The rules presented in this book provide players and
Games Masters with a structure with which they can
represent these heady levels of accomplishment. They
run parallel to the standard epic d20 rules, allowing
the characters to use both systems simultaneously or
for parties to split; some becoming epic characters
while others develop themselves along the Path of
Immortality.
The Three ‘Epics’
In the lexicon of roleplaying games, ‘epic’ can mean
one of the following: high-level games, classical
games or hybrid games. The Book of Immortals
supports this latter type of game, although the other
two types can use some of its elements.
High-Level Games
In the world of d20 we associate high-level and high
power games with ‘epic play’. Characters in this
kind of game wield remarkable powers, but their
adventures rarely vary much beyond the traditional
‘discover enemy, attack enemy, gather loot’ model.
There is something satisfying about such play; it is
the foundation of modern roleplaying games and
many enduringly successful computer games.
Unfortunately, this kind of game suffers from
the classical ‘Grendel’s Mother’ problem. Once
the characters bring about the world-threatening
menaces’ bloody ruin, what do they do for an
encore? Fight another, bigger, uglier menace? Pick
up an even more powerful sword? Retire from the
field to allow a new generation of adventurers to take
up their legacy?
In short, these sorts of games get old after a while.
The thrill of accomplishment can only take them so
far. Facing the same threats, over and over again,
does nothing to revitalise the game.
Standard post-level 20 rules adequately represent
characters in this style of game. They continue
to gain levels in a regular progression, eventually
achieving truly incredible levels of power. Their foes
become equally powerful but are not fundamentally
different from the orcs they sharpened their swords
on when they first left the fields.
3
INTRODUCTION
In The Book of Immortals, these high-level characters
are the heroes Immortals manipulate to achieve their
ends. They serve as cat’s paws and pawns, to be used
and thrown away. The Immortals may even set the
character up to fail. After all, when one falls another
foolish bit of clay will just rise to take his place.
Classical Games
Classical games are routinely considered the province
of non-d20 systems. These games deal directly with
fundamental questions about good and evil, law and
chaos or the proper use of power. Many use plot
elements from classical Greek and Roman myths,
infused with sensibilities drawn from other cultures.
At their core, these games address the question of
how a particular event or sequence of events changes
the characters’ world for good or ill. The characters
become directly involved, helping to shape the
outcome of events. Their choices and how well they
carry them out can usher in a new world, or bring the
old one to its knees.
These games do not have to involve great powers
or the celestial host striding the land with swords
forged from light. A group of peasants struggling to
prevent their village from vanishing under a coming
flood after fighting a drought and holding back goblin
raiders for a season presents an epic struggle in the
classical sense.
The Book of Immortals can create this kind of game.
Specifically, its challenge/victory structure allows
Games Masters and players to model these stories in
ways the standard monster/trap challenge structure
does not.
Hybrid Games
By combining the two types of game we lump under
the term ‘epic’ we can create a third, hybrid, game
type. These games involve characters of great power
facing off with threats capable of destroying the
world.
The Book of Immortals supports this third, hybrid,
type of game. Immortals and heroes mingle together,
pursuing their interests simultaneously. A mixed
party might engage in a high-level adventure, turn
around to face a creator’s challenge, then bicker with
an Immortal Host about whether or not they should
intervene in the fate of nations. Heroes can help
their Immortal friends progress through apotheosis.
Immortals can lend their power and favour to their
INTRODUCTION
mortal companions, helping them achieve the heady
heights of fame most mortals crave.
The threats and obstacles presented in this book
assume standard character progress to at least 14th
level. Some of the challenges, especially those
derived from classical mythology, can scale as low as
6th level. A Games Master may alter them for higher
or lower level play at his discretion.
Between These Pages
The Book of Immortals contains nine chapters, each
covering a different aspect of the Immortal world.
The book is arranged so that information for the
players resides in the front and information useful for
Games Masters takes up the rear portion.
4
The first chapter, this one, provides a brief overview
of the ideas contained in the book.
The second chapter, The Path of Immortality,
provides an in-depth introduction to the rule systems
underlying The Book of Immortals. It covers the
terminology of Immortality, its effects on the
character and the differences between an Immortal
and a high-level character.
The third chapter, Wellsprings, details the effects of
tapping into universal power sources. These power
sources may be abstract concepts (e.g. Love or Good)
or the universe’s foundation stones (e.g. Fire or
Wind). As the character strengthens his connections
with these powers he gains additional benefits and
penalties, called blessings and banes respectively.
The fourth chapter, Covenants, addresses those
Immortals who derive their powers through
agreements with other creatures. These agreements,
called covenants, stipulate the behaviour and
contributions for all involved parties. In exchange
for power from one party the Immortal agrees to
perform specific services and undertake particular
responsibilities. So long as both parties obey the
covenant, power flows freely between the two.
The fifth chapter, Gifts, outlines the powers
an Immortal develops as he progresses toward
apotheosis. These powers, called gifts, allow the
Immortal to use the might derived from his power
sources for his own ends. Gifts range from unique
abilities to servants and artefacts.
The sixth chapter, Challenges, begins the material
in this book focused on Games Masters rather
than players. It outlines the various
kinds of challenges characters
face along their path toward
transcendence. Either the
Games Master or the player can
arrange these challenges into unique
‘Immortality’, creating an opportunity
for players to customise not only their
characters, but also the campaign world
itself.
The seventh chapter, The Immortal World,
provides details about the complex world of
Immortal politics. The information it contains
can spell the difference between life and death for an
Immortal character. It also gives the Games Master
a framework upon which to build his own fiendishly

complex political machinations. Just because a
character manages to survive the challenges he faces
does not mean he gets to rest on his laurels. Instead,
he will have to defend every gain from those who
have a vested interest in causing his downfall. If he is
not attentive and careful, he could even end up bound
to serve his worst enemy through a complex covenant
arrangement with some third, ‘neutral’ party.
The eighth and ninth chapters provide fully realised
examples built using the rules in the rest of the book.
Aspiration to Transcendence presents six established
paths of immortality, including one for dragons, one
for druids and one for undead. Immortal Characters
presents three Immortals at varying stages of
apotheosis, each with a complete history and hooks
for including these characters in existing campaigns.
Scattered through the chapters, the Games Master
will find suggestions and recommendations for how
to incorporate these rules into existing campaigns. At
the same time, players will discover suggestions for
how to build various traditional character archetypes
(e.g. the divinely inspired paladin, a reclusive god-
like archmage or a shadow-touched rogue) without
resorting to prestige classes. Both will find a host
of myth-building suggestions, character ideas and
recommendations about how to make the transition
from high-level to hybrid play.
How to Use This Book
Players and Games Masters may take the examples
and suggestions presented here whole cloth into their
campaigns. These examples are roughly balanced
around high-level gaming concepts.
However, The Book of Immortals also presents a
complete toolkit for designing hybrid high-level/
classical games. By building unique challenges,
paths to immortality and politics, the players and
Games Master can customise their world to directly
play out the kinds of plots they usually only get to
read about in the best fantasy books.
Glossary
Apotheosis: The character’s place on the Path of
Immortality. Apotheosis is measured in five steps:
Aspirant, Wielder, Illuminated, Immortal and
Transcendent.
Artefact: An object Gift incorporating some portion
of an Immortal’s powers. Artefacts are usually part
5
INTRODUCTION
of the Immortal’s regalia. The item retains its powers
even when not in the Immortal’s possession. Its
power depends on the amount of the Immortal’s Aura
invested in it.
Attribute: A Gift altering the Immortal’s basic
nature. Attributes are comparable with feats: they
provide an ‘always available’ bonus of some sort. If
the character’s Aura drops below a specific threshold
the attribute may weaken or become inactive.
Aspirant: The first step of Apotheosis. Aspirants
possess a limited number of Gifts. They are the
lowest level of Immortals, not much removed from
mortal concerns. Other Immortals treat them as
pawns in the greatest game.
Aura: A new attribute representing the power of the
character’s infusions. Aura is both a power pool for
Gifts and a measure of the character’s impact on other
creatures. The character’s Apotheosis determines his
Aura attribute.
Channel: A skill allowing the character to harness
his Immortal power in his own body, mind and
spirit. The base skill does not perform any in game
functions: Gifts open up a new use for the skill.
Challenge: A trial or complex task the character must
undertake. Successfully completing the challenge
generates a Victory, which can be used to gain a Gift
or a bonus to one of the two Immortal skills.
Covenant: A relationship in which the Immortal
undertakes particular responsibilities in order
to gain power. Regardless of the character’s
symbolic relationship, the responsibilities define
the relationship. The granting authority is called the
Suzerain.
Created Wellspring: A wellspring of primal power
created through mortal action. May be blocked or
permanently destroyed.
Effect Level: Wellsprings have effects that influence
the world around them. These effects have effect
levels which, when added together, cannot total
more than the total effect levels allowed for the
wellspring’s total number of victories.
Epic vs. epic: Epic (capital E) refers to the Epic
rule-set for d20. The lower-case usage refers to true
epic – stories involving saving the world and the
fundamental forces of reality.
INTRODUCTION
Foundation Stone Wellspring: A wellspring of
primal power that exists as an expression of the
organisation of the universe. Can be blocked but not
permanently destroyed.
Gift: The practical result of a challenge. Gifts fall
into one of four categories: artefacts, attributes,
power and numen.
Gods Who Are Made: Immortals who derive their
power from a suzerainty relationship. The grantor
may take their powers from them. This makes them
very vulnerable to intrigue and Immortal politics.
Great Challenge: The final challenge at a particular
step of Apotheosis. Passage though the Great
Challenge allows the character to access the next
state of being. Failure causes the character to fall
back, having to start all over again.
Illuminated: The third step of Apotheosis. The
Illuminated make up the bulk of the Immortal
hosts. Illuminated Immortals have a considerable
investment in their immortality; many become
exceptionally conservative as a result.
Immortal: The fourth step of Apotheosis. Immortals
are relatively rare and considerably more powerful
than those on a lower stage of the Path. Immortals
may be mistaken for gods.
Immortal Paths or Path to Immortality: The set of
challenges the character undertakes along his path to
transcendence. The path may include challenges set
for suzerainty or for establishing a tap.
Immortal Host: The sum total of a world’s population
walking the Path of Immortality. Depending on the
world the Host may be a tightly integrated group or a
loose affiliation of individuals with similar interests
and goals.
Infusion: A skill allowing the character to infuse his
surroundings/items/other characters with immortal
power. This skill does perform any in game
functions. Instead, Gifts add base functions to the
skill as the character progresses though the Immortal
ranks.
Numen (pl. Numina): A servant spirit Gift who
performs specific functions for the Immortal.
Numen may or may not have a detectable personality,
depending on their role and abilities.
6
Path of Apotheosis: Immortal’s Path
Path to Immortality: Immortal’s Path
Power: A gift that allows the Immortal to channel
or infuse one of the six elemental or four mythic
powers.
Power Point (Artefact): When used in the context
of an artefact gift, power points represent the value
generated when the Immortal invests his Aura into
the artefact though his Channel or Infuse skill. He
may spend these points to purchase item abilities for
his artefact gift.
Tap: A connection to one of the fundamental forces.
Tapping a fundamental force gives the Immortal
powers. It also changes his nature, giving him unique
bonuses and penalties. Taps may be attacked directly
but cannot be revoked by any power in the universe.
Transcendent: The final step of Apotheosis. A
Transcendent being has powers other Immortals
can only dream of. The character effectively leaves
play, as its concerns are no longer understandable by
mortal minds.
Victory: The successful completion of a challenge.
Victories are recorded in order and the Gifts they
grant recorded next to them. They may be lost if the
character fails his Great Challenge to rise to the next
level.
Wellspring: The physical location an Immortal must
enter in order to establish a tap. If the Wellspring is
blocked then the character losses access to all of his
Gifts derived from it until he removes the blockage.
Wielder: The second step of Apotheosis. Wielders
are often referred to as ‘Wielders of the X’, where
X is their strongest Immortal relationship. Wielders
have sufficient powers to participate in complicated
Immortal politics.

The Path of Immortality
R
eligious imagery, art, mythology and
fantasy literature all contain references to
mortals who set aside the limitations of the
flesh to become like the gods themselves. These
mortals rise up through their own efforts and the
help of friendly gods to shake the heavens with
their will. They are Immortals, beings who partake
of both the mortal and divine worlds.
This chapter describes the rules governing Immortal
characters. These characters gain a new attribute:
Aura, along with access to new skills and a new
progression path independent of their d20 class.
As they proceed along this path, each character
develops unique, customised abilities fitting his
personal story and evolution.
What are Immortals?
The first and most important question this book
must answer is: what are Immortals? Are they gods
writ small? Incarnate powers of the universe, bent
on alien goals incomprehensible to lesser mortals?
Jumped-up mortals with an inflated sense of their
own position in the universe? Enlightened aliens
slowly remembering their previous lives among
bickering beings struggling to make something out
of a mud and stone world?
Certainly any of the above might somehow be
able to reverse the effects of time, preserving
Short Form: The Entire
Book in One Paragraph
Throughout the text the reader will find ‘short
form’ boxes. These summarise the contents of
a section or provide additional insight into a
particular topic.
Immortals progress along the path to
immortality by taking up challenges associated
with a power source. If they overcome the
challenge, they gain a victory and with it a
gift from the universe. They can then channel
their power sources through their gifts to create
effects. Once they reach the path’s end they
transcend into godhood, rising forever beyond
the understanding of mortal minds.
7
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
their mortal shell’s strength under its relentless
wrath and call themselves ‘immortal’. They might
display incredible powers, remarkable skills and
abilities beyond the limits placed upon normal
people.
However, they are not Immortals within the
framework presented here. Just being ageless (or
eternally youthful) and powerful does not qualify
the character for this elite title. Indeed, all of
the suggested character types are little more than
pawns in Immortal’s games.
Real Immortals are former mortals and outsiders
who develop the ability to access the fundamental
powers making up the universe. They may do
this directly through a tap or indirectly through
a covenant relationship with a higher being (e.g.
another Immortal, a god or an abstract concept like
a nation). This power courses through their veins,
transforming them into something both more and
less than mortal.
Immortals are more than mortal in their powers and
perceptions. They feel the wind between the stars
brush against their faces and hear the celestial song
or the cries of the damned in their ears. Every one
of their acts carries with it a hint of majesty beyond
mortal ken and the threat of forces outside common
bounds.
Their intimate relationship with primal power
also places limitations upon Immortals that
mortals cannot understand. An Immortal is not
an independent actor, gifted with free will and the
right to make whatever decisions he wishes. He
has responsibilities, duties stemming from the very
fabric of the cosmos. If he fails to perform those
duties, worlds die. If he performs them properly,
no one may ever know his name.
Who Qualifies to Become an
Immortal?
Any creature capable of gaining class levels can
become an Immortal. In general, this means that
creatures of the giant, humanoid, magical beast or
monstrous humanoid types with greater than six
Intelligence can start on the path to immortality.
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
Elementals, fey and outsiders may become
Immortals but they must first pass the challenge
of free will (pg. 205). This challenge frees them
from their essential natures, granting them both
mortality and the freedom to choose their own
role in the universe. Once they pass the challenge
they have a year and a day of peace to pass the first
challenge on their path. After this traditional period
of protection the would-be Immortal’s former allies
may hunt him down with impunity.
Some aberrations, especially those gifted with
tremendous intelligence and magical power, may
attempt to become Immortals. However, they
cannot enter into covenant relationships with any
granting powers unless they have a specific god
who watches over them. Then they can enter into
a covenant with that god but not with any of the
god’s allies.
8
Animals, constructs, oozes, plants and vermin do
not qualify to become Immortals. That said, if the
Games Master designs a creature of these types
with Intelligence and free will he may decide that
creature (or the entire race) represents an exception
to the rule. In these exceptional cases the creature
must pass the challenge of free will in order to
prove his qualification for the first challenge.
Dragons and Immortality
Dragons are, arguably, the most majestic opponents
and allies a character can find in a fantasy universe.
These mighty creatures embody might and magic,
power and perversity in equal measure. They are,
in many ways, the ultimate adversaries, capable of
being friends one moment and enemies the next as
whim and chance dictate.
Dragons may be nothing more than the advanced
magic-using race presented in Core Rulebook
III. They may also be the only race with its
own inborn path to immortality. It may be
that all dragons will become like-unto gods
as they grow, eventually transcending mortal
existence entirely to enter some other state of
being entirely.
By default, The Book of Immortals assumes
that dragons qualify to become Immortals.
Apotheosis
Characters who wish to become Immortal
must overcome a challenge (see Challenges,
pg. 190). Once they do so, they gain a single
victory. This victory allows them to begin
the process of apotheosis, or ascending to
godhood. In effect, the character’s apotheosis
becomes a second ‘character level’ track the
character can follow in addition to, or to the
exclusion of, his standard mortal class levels.
This process is sometimes also called the path
to immortality.
Each time the character completes a challenge
he gains a victory. When he accumulates
enough victories he may attempt a Great
Challenge. If he passes this Great Challenge,
he progresses to the next step of apotheosis.
A character’s step affects both his Aura
attribute (see Aura, below) and his status

Apotheosis Table
Title/Step of Great
Apotheosis Victories Challenges Aura
Aspirant 1-3 0 0 + 1 per Victory
Wielder 3-6 1 5 + 1 per Victory
Illuminated 6-9 2 10 + 2 per Victory
Immortal 9-12 3 15 + 2 per Victory
Transcendent 12 4 30 + 3 per Victory
among the other Immortals. This is summarised in
the Apotheosis Table above:
A character’s step/title indicates his relative rank
among the Immortals as well as his progression
towards transcendence. The step title is
incorporated into the character’s Immortal title,
as described in The Immortal World chapter (pg.
227).
The victories column indicates the victory range
allowed within a specific step. The character must
have at least the maximum number of victories for
the step in order to issue a Great Challenge.
The character can only ascend to the next step
by taking a Great Challenge. If he succeeds he
ascends to the next step.
The Aura column provides the formula used to
calculate the character’s Aura attribute. Each time
the character ascends a stage of apotheosis his Aura
increases in strength. The Immortal’s Aura fuels
his gifts as well as providing baseline effects on
mortals.
The Steps of Apotheosis
Characters progressing through apotheosis towards
transcendence pass through the following steps:
aspirant, wielder, illuminated, immortal and
transcendent.
An aspirant has just begun his journey. His first
challenge awakens the spark of immortality within
his soul. This makes him slightly more than mortal,
with abilities even the greatest sorcerers might
envy. It also places him in an extremely vulnerable
position: he has awakened to the world of Immortal
politics but lacks the power and influence to
protect himself from its machinations. His Aura is
relatively weak, preventing him from empowering
servants or creating extensive sanctums from which
to mount his own defence.
9
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
A wielder has passed his first great challenge.
That challenge causes godhead’s fires to burn
brightly in his spirit. His aura becomes strong
enough to directly affect mortal creatures,
while his array of gifts is sufficient to give
him options in the ever-evolving intrigues
occupying Immortal life.
By surviving his second great challenge a
wielder becomes one of the illuminated.
Most Immortals reach this step and stop; the risks
of proceeding become so great only the most
dedicated and daring have the courage to attempt
them. Illuminated Immortals wield a wide variety
of powers. Their Aura is strong enough to sway
all but the strongest mortals and even aspirants
have difficulty resisting their will. Illuminated
beings possess sufficient power to act as a patron
to a group of mortal heroes, further expanding their
ability to project power.
Those rare few possessing the courage to essay their
third great challenge may become true Immortals,
beings of tremendous power and prestige.
Immortals always wield considerable influence in
the politics of their kind, even if they choose to
ignore it completely. Their vast array of gifts and
abilities makes them dangerous adversaries, while
their relationships with the gods mean they are
almost untouchable by lesser beings.
Very few Immortals dare to take the final step
into Transcendence. Transcendent beings give
up the last vestiges of their mortality, becoming
fully aligned with the gods. When they act in the
mortal or Immortal worlds, they do so without
warning or fear of the political consequences. A
transcendent being may act as a patron to a group
of lesser Immortals, although such arrangements
are relatively rare.
Roleplaying Apotheosis
In a systemic sense, the character’s apotheosis
step increases his power and ability to deform the
game world. In a roleplaying sense, it indicates
his progress along a path that starts with a fallible
mortal and ends with a transcendent being akin to
the gods. This transformation takes place over
time, as the character slowly comes to grasp the
unknowable concepts and powers beyond mortal
comprehension.
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

As an aspirant, the character’s perceptions and
abilities are not radically different to those of an
epic hero. His actions are still largely his own,
although he may have a few limits derived from
his power sources. He is only partially aware of
the difficulties faced by Immortals and a peripheral
player in their intrigues. His mortal companions
still make up the majority of his social network and
mortal concerns still plague him on a daily basis.
In the process of becoming a wielder the character’s
perceptions suffer irrevocable alterations. The
spark of godhood buried in his soul flames into
brilliant life. His responsibilities begin to limit his
free will, while his powers make him an important
part of Immortal intrigue. As he is drawn further
and further into the Immortal world he loses his
connections with those mortals that once called
him friend.
By the time the character passes through his
second great challenge, he may have completely
forgotten the concerns of mortal life. His powers
continue to expand while his options
contract. He sees the infinite potential
of the mortal spirit, but knows he will
never again partake of it. His fellow
Immortals intrigue against one another,
involving him whether he would like it
or not. The character can easily spend
all of his time in the company of other
Immortals.
along the path becomes completely unconcerned
with the affairs of mortals. He wields incredible
powers, but now does almost wholly what he must
do rather than what he wishes.
Once a character passes through the fourth
great challenge they transcend the mortal coil
completely. He passes beyond the understanding
of mortals, leaving his player’s control to explore
an unknowable cosmos. He might reappear from
time to time as an environmental force, but even the
other Immortals will have trouble understanding
his motivations and goals.
Aura
Characters who begin the process of apotheosis
develop something called an ‘Immortal’s Aura’.
This Aura, represented by a new attribute (Aura)
mechanically expresses the raw power coursing
through the Immortal’s spirit. The Immortal’s Aura
is a tangible if unseen force, uniquely expressing
his personal path towards godhood.

When a character approaches his

third great challenge he must make
a decision. He now wields powers
beyond mortal comprehension. He is
deathless, ageless and in tune with the
fundamental forces of the universe.
His powers can raise nations or shatter
hearts. Does he wish to risk it all
pursuing godhood? Does he wish to
transcend the mortal coil altogether, or
enjoy his powers in an endless dance?

Those who pass through their third

great challenge become true Immortals.
They become important characters
but are more focused on preparing for
their final transcendence than worrying
about the petty tribulations of the
mortal realm. A character at this step

10
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

The Immortal’s Aura attribute is determined using
a formula based on his progression along the path
to apotheosis (see above).
Aura’s Effect on Mortals
Mortals, from animals to humans, feel the
Immortal’s Aura as a surge of ‘otherness’ beating
against the boundary of their souls. They feel
nervous, filled with awe or simply afraid around
the Immortal, depending on their strength of will
and the Immortal’s personal strength.
The aura affects all mortals within a five foot radius
per point of the Aura attribute. For example, an
Immortal with Aura 28 affects all mortals within a
140 foot radius.
In order to determine the effect of an Immortal’s
Aura compare the Aura’s total current value against
the mortal’s Will save. If target does not have a
Will save it is considered to have a Will save of
zero for purposes of this calculation.
Characters within the Immortal’s Aura may react to
the Immortal differently.
These abilities affect characters ordinarily immune
to mind-affecting abilities. Technically the
Immortal is not affecting the creature’s conscious
mind, but rather its soul.
The Immortal’s Aura affects all mortals within it,
regardless of line of sight. However, the Immortal
is still limited to line of sight when using his skills,
unless he has a Gift stating otherwise.
Example: A true Immortal with Aura 25 enters
a temple. His aura overwhelms the worshippers
(average Will save +1) by 24 points. When he
uses his Diplomacy to convince them to worship
him, they do so without reservation. So long as
his ‘worshippers’ remain within 125 feet they will
accept his orders without question. If he sends a
worshipper outside of that area, his commands act
like a suggestion spell.
Aura’s Effect on Immortals
Immortals can also feel one another’s aura, but it
does not have the same overwhelming effect on
them that it has on mortals.
An Immortal gains a bonus or penalty to his Bluff
and Intimidate skill checks targeting another
Immortal based on the difference between their
steps. Consult the table on page 12 for more
details:
Example: One of the Illuminated wishes to
intimidate an Aspirant who just completed his first
Challenge. He gains a +4 bonus to his Intimidate
check due to the difference between their levels of
ability. The young Aspirant suffers a corresponding
–4 penalty to his skill check if he wishes to try to
intimidate the Illuminated in return.

Aura’s Effect on Mortals

Emotion
Difference Invoked Effect
0-5 Otherness Character feels a strong sense of ‘otherness’ from the Immortal. Target suffers a penalty
equal to the difference between his Will save and the Immortal’s Aura to skill or level
checks to resist the Immortal’s Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate checks.
6-10 Fear Character becomes afraid of the Immortal’s power. Target suffers the effects of
Otherness. Intimidate checks targeting the character count as free actions.
11-20 Awe Character feels awe towards the Immortal. Target suffers the effects of both Otherness
and Fear. If the character fails to resist the Immortal’s Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate
check the effect of the skill check becomes a magical binding on the character with the
force of a suggestion spell so long as the character remains within the Aura’s area of
effect.
21+ Worship Character cannot help but worship the Immortal. Target suffers the effects of Otherness,
Fear and Awe. The effects of the Immortal’s skill checks now carry the effectiveness of
a dominate other spell so long as the character remains within the Aura’s area of effect
or a suggestion with infinite duration.

11
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

Aura’s Effect on Immortals

Character Is/Target
Is Aspirant Wielder Illuminated Immortal Transcendent
Aspirant +0 +2 +4 +6 +8
Wielder –2 +0 +2 +4 +6
Illuminated –4 –2 +0 +2 +4
Immortal –6 –4 –2 +0 +2
Transcendent –8 –6 –4 –2 +0
Additionally, any Immortal may make a What are Challenges?
Concentration skill check (DC 15) to sense when In a mechanical sense, a challenge is a set of
he enters another Immortal’s Aura. If he makes sequential skill or ability checks required to
a Spellcraft check (DC 15) he can determine the remove a specific threat. If the character succeeds
Immortal’s strongest power source as well. This at the majority of these checks he successfully
sense does not pinpoint the target, but does reveal resolves the challenge.
the other Immortal’s title.
In a narrative sense, each challenge represents a
Aura’s Uses unique, legendary action the character undertakes
Unlike standard d20 attributes, the Aura attribute in order to gain additional power. Examples of
does not provide bonuses or penalties to specific possible challenges include:
kinds of actions (except as defined above). Instead,
it represents the character’s available power limits. † Sing a song of such purity it causes the celestial
He uses his Aura to fuel his gifts, increase the host to weep.
power of followers or protect himself in the case of † Hold up the vault of heaven so a cursed giant
an Immortal’s duel. can take a single sip of water.
† Make a new weapon for one of the gods of
destruction.
The Immortal Path † Trick the God of the Seas into giving you his
Characters do not advance through the steps of trident.
apotheosis by acquiring experience points in the † Guide the chariot of the sun across the sky.
normal fashion. Such free-form growth is the † Slay a thousand men in a single day.
providence of mortals, not beings attempting to † Drink primal fire from a goblet made of your
transcend to godhood. will.
† Reject an illusionary future in which your every
Instead, would-be Immortals must pass a fantasy is fulfilled.
successively more difficult series of challenges.
Each challenge forces the character to stretch just When a character undertakes a challenge he does
a bit more beyond mortal bounds. If he succeeds not gain experience points for actions taken to
at the challenge he becomes slightly more in tune address any difficulties he faces. However, anyone
with a specific power. If he fails and survives then assisting the character does receive experience
he may attempt the challenge again, when he has points as a reward for their efforts.
recovered. Most likely though, he will not survive,
ending his quest. Each challenge is keyed to a specific power source
(see below). If the character succeeds in meeting
A succession of these challenges, leading from the challenge’s conditions he gains a Victory in
mortality to Transcendence, is called a ‘Path to that power source. If he fails, then he suffers some
Immortality’. A specific campaign world may painful (and most likely fatal), effect as specified in
support a single path, several specific paths or an the challenge’s conditions.
infinite number of them depending on the Games
Master’s choices.

12
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

What does Victory bring? some portion of it to suit his own needs. Great
As stated above, each time the character overcomes Challenges are therefore of tremendous epic
a challenge he gains a Victory. Each time the importance, as they define both the character and
character gains a Victory he increases the value of the world in a new way.
one of his power sources by one and gains a gift of
his choice. A character may choose to accumulate more than
three victories at his current apotheosis step before
taking a Great Challenge to advance. Doing this
What are Great Challenges? dramatically increases the risk of each Great
A Great Challenge occurs when the character Challenge, as the character could lose even more
wishes to pass from one step of apotheosis to investment in his path to immortality.
another. The character must have three victories
at his current apotheosis step
in order to initiate his next Creating Paths
Great Challenge. Passing the to Immortality
Great Challenge allows him Some campaigns will allow
to advance to the next characters to essay whatever
apotheosis step. challenges they wish, in any
order they wish. This allows
Each Great Challenge the character to create his own
incorporates between legends and his own path to
three and five ordinary immortality.
challenges. The character
must successfully However, other Games
complete the majority of Masters will take
the challenges in order to the opportunity
pass the Great Challenge. to create specific,
established ‘paths to
If the character fails the immortality’ in their
Great Challenge he worlds. These groups
immediately loses all of interrelated challenges
accumulated victories. embody a world’s
He becomes a mortal greatest legends. Once a
again, stripped of his character starts on a specific
powers and potentially path he must complete
his memories. In the challenges on it in a
this state the former specific order, in accordance with
Immortal is extremely cosmic laws and potentially the
vulnerable; his enemies machinations of the Immortals who
will move quickly to remove him came before him.
completely from the great game of
Immortal politics. Fortunately his The Challenges chapter (pg. 190) contains
sudden fall from grace also hides him more information about creating established
to some extent. Immortals, particularly or freeform paths.
those who have walked the path for centuries or
millennia, have a great deal of trouble telling one
lesser mortal from another. Sources of Power:
A Great Challenge represents more than just an Covenants and Taps
opportunity for the character to demonstrate his Each time a character succeeds at a challenge he
power. It is an opportunity for the character to gains access to a power source. This power source
radically alter his environment by transforming represents one of the great powers of the universe,

13
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
whether it is a grant of power from a god, or a
magical connection to the heart of the primal fire
burning at the centre of the universe.
These power sources fall into two basic categories,
covenants and taps. The type determines how the
character interacts with the source as well as the
benefits and penalties it provides.
The first category of power sources, covenants,
represent agreements between the character and
an intelligent divine power. In return for the
character performing specific duties as specified in
the covenant’s terms the character receives access
to power. The more power the character receives,
the more terms he must abide by. The Covenants
chapter (pg. 77) contains more information about
covenants.
If the character violates the covenant’s terms he
loses access to the gifts and powers associated
with the covenant until he makes amends. This
loss reduces the strength of the character’s Aura,
but does not affect his place along the path to
immortality.
Example covenants include:
† An oath of fealty between the character and one
of the demon princes.
† A covenant between the character and a
kingdom, stipulating that in return for worship
the character will become their god-king.
† An agreement between the character and a god
condemned to suffer; the character will take on
the god’s suffering for some length of time each
year in return for power.
† The character re-enacts the god’s death, acting
as a sacrifice and giving his life to the god. In
return, the god gives the character powers he
will need to face the future.
† The character agrees to protect an ancient and
magical forest. In return, the forest spirits and
fey give him immortality and the power to carry
out his charge.
The second category of power sources, taps,
represent direct connections with the fundamental
forces of the universe. The tap allows the character
to access this power, shaping it using his gifts and
skill into effects not unlike those created by mortal
magic. It also transforms the character, granting
14
both bonuses called blessings and penalties called
banes. Each tap changes the character in different
ways.
Each tap connects to a wellspring, a physical
manifestation of a particular fundamental power.
Although nothing can interfere with the character’s
tap, anyone may attempt to block the wellspring.
Once a wellspring is blocked the character looses
access to the victories tied to it as well as the gifts,
blessings and banes it provided. This reduces the
character’s Aura but cannot affect his apotheosis
step.
If some force destroys the wellspring the character
loses victories, gifts, blessings, banes and
apotheosis step.
Example taps include:
† Incorporate primal fire into his heart.
† Embed the light of creation (positive energy)
into his spirit.
† Become an embodiment of war.
† Transform into a spirit of the stars.
† Sacrifice his life to create a sustained connection
between the character and the grasping power of
decay (negative energy).
The Wellsprings chapter contains more information
about taps.
The power source type, as well as its nature, affects
the challenge the character must undertake.
Gifts and Skills
Each time an Immortal achieves victory over a
challenge he gains a gift. A gift is a means through
which the character channels his tremendous power
into the world. Gifts fall into four basic categories:
artefacts, attributes, numen and powers. In order to
use his gifts to full effect he must make skill checks
against one of the two Immortal skills: Channel and
Infuse.
Artefacts, Attributes, Numen
and Powers: The Immortal
Gifts
In a mechanical sense a gift represents a way for
the character to transform his Aura into a cluster
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

of potential effects. The categories of gifts provide
templates for these powers, while each individual
gift provides specific game effects. Gifts represent
an investment of the characters Aura, rather than an
expenditure of it.
A character may select a gift when he gains a
victory. The challenge or the Games Master may
suggest gifts, but the final decision lies with the
player.
In a roleplaying sense, gifts are just that – gifts the
would-be Immortal receives from his association
with the powers of the universe. They may be
given to him by his patron, earned through his own
actions or ripped from the still-beating heart of his
greatest enemy. Each gift has a story associated
with it (i.e. how the character overcame the
challenge to gain it) and represents a step along the
path to immortality.
In this latter sense gifts become the visible signs
of the character’s progression along the path to
immortality. Even Immortals on the same path
will not necessarily share the same gifts, as their
personalities and experiences are uniquely their
own.
† A stone from the heart of the great mountain,
polished smooth by the character’s own palm
(an artefact gift from the character’s challenge
to gain access to primal Earth)
Attribute gifts dramatically alter the character’s
form. Each gift carries with it a base power that
operates so long as the Immortal retains his Aura.
This ability may be enhanced through the use of the
Channel skill by investing more of the character’s
power into it. Every gift also possesses a physical
manifestation, a change to the character’s
appearance that only another gift can hide.
Example attributes include:
† Golden skin capable of turning all but the hardest
blows (an attribute gift from the character’s
covenant with the god of war).
† Seven pupils in the eyes, each capable of seeing
through a different illusion (an attribute gift
from the character’s covenant with the god of
knowledge).

As stated above, gifts fall into four categories:

artefacts, attributes, numen and powers. Each
category has a slightly different flavour and
interface with the Immortal skills.

Artefact gifts create physical representations of the

character’s power. Each artefact is a unique object
providing the character with several, distinct ways
to manifest his power in the world. The artefact
contains a part of the character’s Aura; if he loses it
then he loses access to the powers. If, however, the
artefact is destroyed the Immortal regains his Aura
and can recreate the object. Artefact gifts have a
specified minimum level of power when granted
but can be enhanced through the use of the Channel
and Infuse skills.

Example artefacts include:

† A sword infused with holy light (an artefact gift
from the character’s challenge reinforcing his
tap to Good).
† A silver star kissed by the god of healing (an
artefact gift from the character’s challenge
swearing fealty to said god).

15
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
The Place of Dragons
In a world where dragons possess a racial path to
immortality, they will quickly come to dominate
Immortal politics. Ageless, undying dragons
may well have started on the path millennia
before the first mortal creature developed the
ability to do so. They monopolise the sources of
power, control all available resources and may
well rival the gods themselves in terms of power
and influence in the mortal realm.
Dragon courts always polarise into a Chromatic
and Metallic court, based on the racial division
between good and evil dragons. The Immortal
World contains more information on dragon
courts.
† A rose tattoo over the character’s heart that
explodes into life when the character dies,
consuming his body. In seven days, he is reborn
(an attribute gift from the character’s covenant
with the forces of a fey forest).
Numen (plural numina) gifts represent agreements
between the character and a spirit/group of spirits.
The spirit serves the character for its own reasons,
lending its aid in return for some sort of reward.
The Immortal can strengthen the spirit using the
Channel or Infuse skill, bolstering its powers
with his own. The spirit can act independently
of the character or can stand by his side providing
additional actions and abilities.
Example numina include:
† A water spirit skilled in the arts of war that
possesses the character, giving him tremendous
skill with a blade and augmented strength (a
numen gift from the character’s connection to
primal Water).
† A devil standing invisibly by the character,
whispering answers in his ear (a numen gift from
the character’s covenant with a demon god).
† A spirit of the world who commands other, lesser
spirits in the character’s service (a numen gift
from the character’s connection to the powers of
protection).
Power gifts allow the character to channel his
power. Each power requires an investment of the
character’s Aura to manifest. The stronger the
manifestation, the more Aura it requires. Stronger
16
manifestations may also require the Immortal to
use his Infuse skill to activate or control it.
Example powers include:
† Runes of flame, capable of summoning a
firestorm or heating a house for the winter (a
power gift from the character’s tap into primal
Fire).
† Sixteen words capable of creating or destroying
love (a power gift from the character’s covenant
with the goddess of love).
† An aura of magical power capable of infusing
objects the character touches (a power gift from
the character’s tap into primal Magic).
Channel and Infuse: The
Immortal Skills
Wringing the most out of the character’s
Immortality takes more than just raw power. It
takes subtlety, talent and more than a little bit of
practice. In order to represent this, all characters
of at least Aspirants rank receive the following as
class skills: Channel and Infuse.
Channel governs the character’s ability to
manipulate power within his body. Channel is
used whenever the character activates a gift that
increases one of his mortal attributes, affects a
mortal skill or changes the effect of a mortal feat.
Infuse governs the character’s ability to project his
power beyond his body. It is used whenever the
character invokes a gift allowing him to alter the
outside world, whether it be by infusing power into
a magical object or hurling bolts of primal force
capable of snuffing out the sun.
Unlike mortal skills neither Channel nor Infuse
have any functions in their own right. Instead, both
skills derive their functions from the Immortal’s
gifts. Some power sources also possess unique
effects available to a sufficiently skilled character.
Channel is keyed to the Wisdom attribute. Infuse is
keyed to the Charisma attribute.
See the Gifts chapter (pg. 133), for more
information on these skills.
Immortal Skills and Apotheosis
Characters do not gain skill points as they advance
 THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY

along their path to apotheosis. This prevents a
character focused entirely on his Immortality from
fully developing his skills.
However, the Immortal does gain a bonus to both
Channel and Infuse checks based on the strength
of his alignment with a particular power source.
This bonus does not replace actual training but
can supplement it or augment the character’s base
talents. This bonus is generally +2 per victory
invested in a power source, but may be more or less
depending on the specific power source and the
Games Master’s decision. For more information
please refer to the Wellsprings and Covenants
chapters respectively.
Worlds Within
Worlds
Immortals interact with the world of magic and
steel, a world where they have free will, bounded
only by their own honour and the obligations they
choose to accept. They can defy the wheels of
time, strike out boldly against fate or change the
face of the world through heroic effort or dastardly
deeds. Some stride between the planes, interacting
with ancient spirits and exploring the depths of
heaven and hell. Regardless of how far they roam,
their nature protects them from the ties binding the
creatures they encounter there.
other Immortals in, at most, groups similar to the
adventuring parties littering the mortal world.
Most Immortals start as lone individuals struggling
up one step at a time towards their eventual goal.
Stronger Immortals may help or hinder the budding
Immortal, depending on their personal opinions
and needs.
‘Open’ worlds often emphasise the relationship
between these occasional Immortals, their divine
patrons and the mortals who make up the majority
of the world. Young Immortals will spend most of
their time dealing with the same kinds of threats
and problems as their mortal counterparts. Older
Immortals may engage in games of interplanar
politics, deity level interactions and defending
themselves from other jealous powers.
Worlds with one or more established paths to
immortality have a very different feel. When
a character first sets his foot on the path to
immortality in one of these ‘structured’ worlds,
he enters into a society of individuals with similar
goals and agendas. The Immortals who set foot on
the same path before him may be waiting for him,
ready with assistance, counsel or a swift blade to

When the character first sets foot on the path to

immortality he sheds just a little of that free will.
His first victory puts him in touch with the primal
power of the universe, giving him power he never
knew he could possess. In return, his actions
become slightly more limited. He also comes,
perhaps for the first time, to the attention of the
other Immortals who live within his world.

As the character progresses through apotheosis

he gains additional powers and additional limits
and it becomes even more difficult for him to hide
from his own kind. By the time he ascends to the
second step, the new Immortal will undoubtedly
have encountered at least one other Immortal.
What happens then depends on how common
immortality is within the campaign world and how
rigorous the process becomes.

In ‘open’ campaign worlds without an established

path to immortality the character will encounter

17
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
prevent him from challenging their power.
These Immortal groups may be cults, courts, hosts
or mutual interest societies. In worlds where there
exists more than one path to immortality the groups
may come into conflict with one another, depending
on how they achieve their transcendence. For
example, a world in which mortals can achieve
transcendence by tapping into either primal
Good or primal Evil will almost always have two,
conflicting groups around those two paths. These
two serve opposed powers and will therefore
logically come into direct conflict.
‘Structured’ worlds place emphasis on the
relationships between Immortals and groups of
Immortals rather than continuing the character’s
mortal ties. Alliances, jealousies, rivalries and
agreements built up over hundreds, if not thousands,
of years hem in the newly minted Immortal just as
surely as his terms and banes. He may well spend
his first few decades as an Immortal working out all
of the subtle relationships between various actors.
Immortals and Gods
In either open or structured worlds Immortals
often deal directly with divinities. Depending on
the world and the deity, these interactions may
be strained or fairly cordial.
Deities are generally fairly
friendly to Immortals they have
covenant relationships
18
with, or with those who align themselves with the
same powers the deity represents. They deal less
favourably with Immortals of any other stripe,
rightly regarding them as potential threats.
In some campaign worlds there are no true ‘gods’,
just Immortals of varying levels of power. A
transcendent Immortal arguably wields all of the
powers a god might; the difference between such
a being and a god rests more in interpretation than
in fact. Even a relatively young Immortal can,
with the right gifts, empower clerics and various
champions.
For more information please refer to The Immortal
World chapter (pg. 227).
Mortal Feats in an
Immortal World
Although The Book of Immortals deals primarily
with Immortal characters, characters who choose
to progress along the standard d20 epic path do
gain a few new abilities due to their association
with their more powerful friends. These
abilities allow the mortal character to recognise
Immortals, overcome the effects of their Auras
and even turn the tables on Immortals
foolish enough to claim more than
they can manage.
When using Immortals
from this book, the
following general and

epic feats become available to mortal characters.
Immortals who wish to continue progressing in the
mortal manner (i.e. gaining class levels) may select
these feats using the standard rules.
Aura Drain (General)
You can drain Aura from an Immortal who
summons you with a numen gift.
Prerequisites: –
Benefit: When an Immortal calls you with a numen
gift you gain whatever Aura he invests into your
summoning as your personal Aura. Each week you
remain around the Immortal you may also engage
him in a covert contest of wills in which you both
make Will saves. If your result is higher than the
Immortal’s you gain access to one randomly chosen
gift. When the Immortal dismisses his numen gift
you may choose to allow the invested Aura to
return to its master or keep it for your own use.
Normal: A spirit summoned using a numen gift
serves its master without question and vanishes
when dismissed.
Bane Spell (Epic)
You can twist the arcane energy in your spells so
that it interferes with the flow of power sustaining
the Immortal’s existence.
Prerequisites: Ability to cast 9th level spells, at
least three metamagic feats.
Benefits: Immortals suffer a –2 penalty to resist
spells, spell-like abilities and supernatural abilities
you invoke against them. Immortals may use gifts
to negate or counter your spells without suffering
this penalty.
Normal: Immortals make saving throws as normal
characters, usually with extremely high bonuses
due to their gifts.
Bind with a Word (Epic,
Metamagic)
You have learned ancient words and charms used to
bind the Immortal’s powers.
Prerequisites: Ability to cast 9th level spells.
Benefit: You may use this feat once per round as a
free action when an Immortal invokes a power gift
within your line of sight. The feat allows you to
expend any number of spell levels (memorised or
cast per day) at once. Each spell level you expend
increases the Immortal’s Channel or Infuse check
DC by +1.
19
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
Blade of the Immortals
(General)
You can take advantage of the rigidity of the
Immortal mind, greatly increasing your combat
prowess against them.
Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +18.
Benefits: You gain a +2 bonus to attack and
damage rolls against Immortal opponents.
Born to the Path (General)
You have a trace of Immortal blood running
through your veins. It calls to you, dragging you
down the path to immortality whether you wish to
go or not.
Prerequisites: –
Benefits: When you take this feat select one of
the established paths to immortality existing in
the campaign world. You gain a +1 racial bonus
to all skill checks and saving throws required to
overcome challenges on that path.
Special: Must be taken at 1st level. The Games
Master may inflict dreams, visions and voices on
the character at his whim. These intrusions should
always urge the character to take up his heritage.
Catch the Glimmer (General)
You have developed a highly attuned sense capable
of detecting when Immortals come near.
Prerequisites: –
Benefits: You may make a Spellcraft check (DC
15) when you enter an Immortal’s Aura. If you
succeed, you immediately know an Immortal is
near, his general direction and either his alignment
or one of his power sources.
Normal: The Immortal’s Aura affects nearby
mortals but does not reveal anything about the
Immortal himself.
Special: The character must interact with at least
one Immortal before he qualifies for this feat.
Cut the Strand of Destiny
(General)
You can take advantage of your free will to
outsmart and outwit Immortals.
Prerequisites: Character level 6+.
Benefits: You gain a +1 insight bonus to all
skill checks made when opposing an Immortal.
This bonus only applies to skills that oppose the
THE PATH OF IMMORTALITY
Immortal, other skill checks undertaken during the
interaction are not affected.
From a Still Place (Epic)
You stand in the still centre of your soul. From it,
you see the infinite reaches of time and the folly of
immortality.
Prerequisites: Iron Will, Sense of Place.
Benefits: You do not suffer from the effects an
Immortal’s Aura deals on mortals.
Gift of Flesh (General)
You can gain fragments of an Immortal’s power by
consuming his flesh.
Prerequisites: –
Benefits: When you consume a properly prepared
portion of an Immortal’s flesh (equal to one hit
point of damage to the Immortal) you gain access
to one of the Immortal’s attribute gifts. This gift
functions as though the Immortal invested one Aura
into it. It takes one hour to prepare the Immortal’s
flesh for consumption.
Normal: Consuming the Immortal’s flesh is a
grizzly but relatively harmless ritual.
Greater Bane Spell (Epic)
Your spells can rip through an Immortal’s
defences.
Prerequisites: Ability to cast 9th level spells, Bane
Spell, at least three metamagic feats.
Benefits: When you target an Immortal with
your spells and the Immortal has a gift negating
that effect, reduce the Immortal’s Aura by your
Intelligence modifier. The Immortal may choose
not to expend his Aura, in which case the gift
fails to function. The Immortal then suffers from
the spell’s affect, following the rules for mortal
creatures.
Special: Greater Bane Spell affects attribute
gifts. It does not affect the protections offered by
artefacts, powers or numen.
Lore of the Immortals
(General)
You have collected Immortal lore.
Prerequisites: Bardic knowledge class ability.
Benefits: You gain a +2 bonus to bardic knowledge
checks to determine information about Immortals,
Immortal factions, challenges and the paths to
20
immortality.
Recognise Immortal (General)
You know how to catch the telltale signs of
Immortality, even when the Immortal wishes to
remain hidden.
Prerequisites: –
Benefits: You gain a +4 insight bonus when making
Spot or Sense Motive checks to penetrate any
effect masking an Immortal’s true name, features
or abilities.
Sense of Place (General)
You have an innate sense of the difference between
mortals and Immortals, a sense that gives you
appreciation for your own place in the universe.
Prerequisites: Iron Will.
Benefits: You gain a +4 bonus to your Will save
for determining the effects of an Immortal’s Aura
on you.
Normal: You suffer penalties to resist an Immortal’s
Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidate skill checks equal
to the difference between your Will save and the
Immortal’s current Aura.
Soul Drinker (General)
You have mastered the ancient rituals enabling you
to siphon off a portion of an Immortal’s Aura.
Prerequisites: Ability to cast 3rd level arcane or
divine spells
Benefits: If you can force an Immortal to undergo
a painful and degrading one-hour ritual you can
strip that Immortal of one Aura point. This ritual
also makes the Immortal helpless, bound within
whatever container you prepared for him. The
Aura takes up residence in your soul, granting you
+1 level to a class you already possess. This bonus
lasts for one week or until the Immortal escapes
from bondage.
Special: If you select this feat a second time you
gain +1 level to a class you already possess and
access to one of the Immortal’s power gifts. You
may use any effect this gift can create, but cannot
invest more than your Int modifier in Aura into the
effect.
Normal: Immortals make saving throws as normal
characters, usually with extremely high bonuses
due to their gifts.

Wellsprings
A Primal Powers: Abstract,
s detailed in The Path of Immortality
chapter, Immortals gain their powers by
taking challenges. These challenges give
the character access to a ‘power source’. This source
enhances the character’s abilities while imposing
additional limitations on his actions. Eventually the
Immortal becomes awesomely powerful, but bound to
do wholly what he must rather than what he wishes.
These sources fall into one of two categories:
covenants and taps. Covenants represent agreements
between the Immortal and one or more other powers.
Taps represent direct connections between the
Immortal and one of the primal powers.
This chapter deals with taps. These connections
carry incredible power from the world’s heart into
the character’s soul. This power allows the character
to shape the world around it. It, in turn, shapes the
character. The more power the character draws, the
greater the changes inflicted upon him. As these
changes occur the character loses more and more of
his mortality, eventually becoming something akin to
an elemental spirit.
The Wellsprings of
Power
A still pool filled with starlight. A wind-swept, sun-
scorched stone, shaped like an anvil or an altar. A
cave in the mountainside from which issues forth
winds tainted with the coppery smell of blood. These
places and others like them are wellsprings of power.
Each wellspring is a pure, physical manifestation of
one of the universe’s primal powers. These powers
may consist of fundamental building blocks, driving
forces for creation or accidental side effects of the
tools used to make the world.
When a character completes a challenge related to a
wellspring, he incorporates a part of his own soul into
it. This creates a connection between the two. This
connection, the so-called tap, allows the character to
draw the wellspring’s power through his body and
into the world around him. Each time the character
completes a challenge related to the wellspring he
increases the connection’s depth. In turn, this allows
the character to draw even more power.
21
WELLSPRINGS
Elemental, Mythic
For the purpose of this book, we can divide the primal
powers of the universe into three distinct categories:
abstract, elemental and mythic. These categories are
more than just convenient ways to organise the forces;
they also describe to some extent the effect tapping
the power has on the Immortal’s soul.
Abstract powers represent ideas capable of
transforming the world. These powers may represent
a fundamental cycle like creation or destruction, an
ideal like love or hate or a concept like knowledge or
magic. If the abstract power were to vanish, the world
would become a lonely and desolate place, devoid of
passion, poetry or wonder.
Elemental powers may display passion and power,
but they are the fundamental building blocks making
up the world’s foundation. Everything contains some
measure of the elemental forces. Pure elemental
spirits may consist of only a single element, while
other things contain a mixture of elements. There is
usually, but not always, an animating element (in d20,
positive energy) as well as elements that make up the
world’s physical form.
Mythic powers infuse the physical world with hope,
corruption, order and luck in equal measure. They
are elements of the spirit, the building blocks upon
which mortal creatures build their complex societies
and understand the world around them. Most mortals
contain aspects of all of the mythic forces within
their spirits. ‘Pure’ spirits like celestials and demons
contain only one or two powers.
In most worlds mortals rarely, if ever, encounter pure
embodiments of the mythic powers. This gives them
the opportunity to debate about whether or not these
powers even exist. It also allows them to interpret
good and evil, order and chaos in their own way.
Only the most blessed or heinous acts rise to the point
where the primal mythic forces will truly adhere to
them.
Finding and Creating
Wellsprings
A wellspring is a physical location where a raw,
primal force of the universe erupts into the world.
This place may be located anywhere: at the bottom of
WELLSPRINGS
an ocean, in the heart of a volcano or even on a plane
far removed from the primary mortal plane.
Regardless of the power they represent, all wellsprings
are obvious places of great power. The presence
of raw primal power twists and corrupts, creating
unusual effects easily recognisable to anyone with
knowledge of magic. The exact effect depends on the
power present and its strength.
As a general rule, learning the location of a specific
wellspring requires a Spellcraft or Knowledge
(arcana) check (DC 20) or a bardic knowledge class
feature check (DC 15). Getting to the wellspring is
another matter entirely. Wellsprings are generally
heavily protected, inaccessible or both.
22
All wellsprings radiate a strong aura of indeterminate
magic.
Many wellsprings came into existence when the
creator gods made the world. They have always
existed and will always exist regardless of the
actions taken by mortals. Immortals sometimes
refer to these wellsprings as ‘foundation stones’.
Even if the wellspring somehow takes damage or is
physically destroyed, it will reappear in a few days.
The structure of the universe requires the wellspring’s
existence; it has no choice but to re-manifest the
wellspring in short order.
Any world with more than a few centuries of history
may also have wellsprings created by mortal actions.
Mortals cannot set out to create a wellspring. Rather,
they occur spontaneously when a mortal performs a
single, heroic act of such magnitude that the primal
forces sit up and take notice. In that instant the mortal
transcends his personal limitations. The location
where he performed this heroic deed becomes
a wellspring for the primal power most directly
involved with his action.
Wellsprings created by mortal hands retain their
potency long after the creating event fades into the
dusts of time. However, because they owe their
existence to mortals, mortals may also destroy them.
This places any Immortals who use the wellspring as
part of their path to immortality in great jeopardy.
If a mortal destroys the wellspring, then the
Immortal may lose some or all of his powers.
Destroying Wellsprings
Any wellspring, whether integral or made by
mortal hands, can be destroyed given a sufficient
application of force. The wellspring’s physical
manifestation obeys the same rules as any
other object. Stone can be cut, trees hacked
down, metal melted and water scattered to the
winds.
When a wellspring is destroyed all
Immortals tied to it take 3/4 of their total hit
points in damage instantly. They also lose
all of the gifts and victories they challenged
for at the wellspring.
Once destroyed, the wellspring’s fate
depends on how it came into existence.
Foundation stone wellsprings simply
reappear d100 miles from their original

location within 1d4 days. They reappear suddenly,
displacing whatever geographic features originally
occupied their new location. Any Immortal with a tap
into the wellspring regains his gifts and victories.
Created wellsprings vanish forever if destroyed
by mortal hands. The Immortal loses all gifts and
victories associated with the tap into the former
wellspring. This loss can reduce the character’s
apotheosis step, weakening his Aura and leaving him
vulnerable to his enemies.
If an Immortal destroys a created wellspring it
reappears using the rules for foundation stone
wellsprings. Immortals do not have the freedom
of action given to mortals, nor can they undo what
mortals have done on such a grand scale.
Blocking Wellsprings
Oftentimes it is more effective to simply cut off
access to the wellspring rather than destroy it. The
act of blocking a wellspring, especially one important
to a particular established path to immortality, can
precipitate a war among Immortals. It also cripples
the would-be defenders, forcing them to rely on other
sources of power while the blocked wellspring sits
idle.
Blocking a wellspring requires an immense
application of an opposed force in the area
immediately surrounding the wellspring’s physical
manifestation. The simplest way to accomplish this
is for an Immortal to use a gift and Channel his Aura
into the area, to bind it to his will. This requires the
Immortal to invest Aura equal to 4 x the wellspring’s
maximum number of supported victories. So long as
the Immortal maintains this investment the wellspring
remains sealed.
Other, more exotic means exist as well. For example,
a wellspring of positive energy might become blocked
if surrounded by an army of undead. Each wellspring
entry below contains more information about the
particulars of blocking it.
Once blocked, a wellspring stops providing powers
to those who tapped it. Immortals tapped into the
blocked wellspring automatically lose all victories,
gifts, blessings and banes they derived from it.
This loss of victories does not affect the Immortals’
apotheosis steps. Removing the block fully restores
the Immortals’ abilities.
23
WELLSPRINGS
Breaking a block requires the character to remove the
blocking condition.
Describing Wellsprings
Each wellspring represents a unique concentration
of one of the universe’s primary materials. As such,
the wellspring may have impressive effects on the
surrounding countryside or on those foolish enough
to enter it. The effects a wellspring exerts range from
alterations in the local landscape to setting the local
planar alignment or energy trait (as explained in Core
Rulebook II) to match the powers.
Each wellspring entry uses the following format:
Name: The wellspring’s name.
Maximum Victories: #, Limited/Unlimited: Gives
the maximum number of victories a character may
challenge for at the wellspring. Although taps do
not have a maximum number of victories associated
with them, a particular wellspring may not be able
to support a character through his Transcendence.
Once a character reaches the maximum number of
victories possible for a particular wellspring he must
find another wellspring for the same primal power if
he wishes to continue to develop his tap.
Limited victories indicates that the maximum
victories entry above is a cumulative total; the
wellspring can only support that number of victories
across however many immortals who attempt to tap
it. Unlimited victories permits each Immortal to
challenge for up to the maximum number of victories
from the wellspring.
Primal Power: Lists the force welling up through
the spring.
Effects: Lists the effects the primal power has on
the surrounding environment. The entries below
list appropriate effects. Each effect possesses an
effect level. The total number of effect levels at
a limited wellspring cannot exceed the maximum
victories value. The total number of effect levels at
an unlimited wellspring does not generally exceed 3 x
the maximum victories value (but may at the Games
Master’s discretion).
The notation X + Y (where X and Y are both numbers)
in the effect level entry indicates a variable level
effect. The effect costs X points to buy at the first
power level and an additional Y for each additional
power level. In cases where this notation is 1 + 1 the
 WELLSPRINGS
text may refer to effect level rather than power level as
they are the same value.
For ease of reference this information may take the
form: Name is a wellspring of power (maximum
victories, limited/unlimited).
Example: The Tree of Yu is a wellspring of magic (1,
unlimited) used as the starting place on the Steps from
Grove to Grove (Challenges, pg. 240). Any number
of people on the path may use the wellspring, but it
only supports a single victory. It may have up to three
effect levels worth of effects, although the Games
Master may assign more if he desires.
Blessings and Banes
Tapping a wellspring by enacting a challenge related
to it gives the character considerable power. The
primal power flowing through the character’s soul
also changes him somewhat. He becomes less mortal
and more like an expression of whatever force it is he
channels. These changes manifest as blessings and
banes.
Blessings are new abilities the Immortal develops
independent of his gift. Blessings give the character
a single, highly focused advantage or power he may
use at his whim. Using a blessing does not affect the
Immortal’s current Aura, but may be limited by it.
Blessings typically manifest as supernatural or spell-
like abilities.
Example blessings include:
† The ability to call primal flame from the air.
† The ability to sense good and evil.
† A natural protective ward around the Immortal that
turns aside arrows.
Banes represent restrictions placed upon the
Immortal’s actions by his close association with a
primal force. Each bane either prevents the character
from acting in a specific way or imposes penalties
on him for so long as particular conditions exist.
Transgressions against a bane do not bring any lasting
repercussions; as soon as the character removes
himself from the situation the penalties vanish.
Example banes include:
† The character’s connection with elemental earth
slows down his communication. His speech slows
down as earth’s weight intrudes into his mind and
soul. When the character tries to communicate
with a creature without an earth tap he suffers
a –2 penalty to Bluff and Diplomacy checks.
24
Short Form: Primal Powers
and Transcendence
An Immortal taps primal powers through
wellsprings. Each wellspring has a specific
number of victories the character can achieve
through it. Once the character exhausts
the total number of available victories he
must find another wellspring to continue his
development.
A character can achieve any number of
victories associated with a primal power, up
to and including the total number required to
Transcend.
Furthermore, using the Bluff skill in combat takes
a full-round action rather than a standard action.
† The character’s connection with mythic Good
forces him to never turn aside from an act of
charity. If someone in true need asks him for help
he must provide it, or suffer the loss of his gifts for
d4 days.
† The character’s connection with primal Hate forces
him to behave irrationally. In any situation where
the character comes under stress he must make
a Concentration check (DC 20 + 2 per victory
associated with the tap). If he fails, he flies into a
blind rage with the same effects as barbarian rage.
This rage lasts until the situation comes to an end.
Each entry below lists appropriate blessings and banes
based on the character’s investment in the tap. When
a tap has multiple levels, the character develops one
blessing and one bane from that level. He gains these
blessings and banes when he qualifies for the level.
Some entries list multiple blessings and banes per
tap level. In these cases the character must take one
blessing and one bane from the available options. He
does not suffer from all of them. When the character
progresses to the next tap level he must select his
blessing and bane from the options available at that
level; he may not select from the lists provided for
previous levels.
If a bane specifies a required behaviour the character
may not refuse to perform as commanded. An
Immortal gives up free will in return for his powers.
If the Player tries to circumvent a bane, his Immortal
character immediately loses all gifts associated with
the tap until the character makes reparations as
specified by the Games Master.
 WELLSPRINGS

Primal Power Entry
Explanation
The next three sections (Abstract Powers, Elemental
Powers and Mythic Powers) cover the types of primal
power found in a particular wellspring. Each section
contains a list of detailed powers, each of which
contains the following entries:
Tap Level Table: Provides a table listing the possible
tap levels (generally one to five), along with the bane
and blessing options for each level. Each table has a
‘victories required’ column providing the minimum
number of victories the Immortal must attain in
order to achieve that level. Any number above that
minimum number but less than the number required
for the next level has no practical effect.

Name: The primal power’s primary descriptive name.
Alternate names come after the primary name in ( ).
Channel Bonus: Gives the bonus per victory the
character receives to Channel checks when using a
gift related to this power source.
Infuse Bonus: Gives the bonus per victory the
character receives to Infuse checks when using a gift
related to this power source.
Description: A narrative description of the primal
power and its possible place in the campaign world.
This section contains details allowing players and
Games Masters to easily integrate the power into the
campaign world.
Blessings and Banes: Gives complete details about
the blessings and banes listed in the tap level table
above. This section provides information about
the systemic effects and the visual/special effects
associated with the blessing or bane.
Gift Side Effects: Gives information about the
penalties or bonuses the primal power gives to specific
categories of gifts. These side effects include but are
not limited to: limits on the gift’s effects, dictates on
the type of numen summoned or the application of
specific vulnerabilities and limitations on attributes.
Effect on Challenges: Gives information about the
effect the primal power has on challenges undertaken
at its wellsprings. These effects apply regardless of
the wellspring’s own effects, as described above.

Behind the Curtain: Designing Primal Powers, Blessings and Banes

The primal powers listed below just scratch the surface of the possibilities. Even a casual read through should
give a player or Games Master ideas for another half dozen abstract powers, let alone all of the variations on
the elemental and mythic powers.

When the time comes for you to design your own primal powers, please keep the following rules in mind:

† Each primal power should represent a distinct aspect of the game world you wish to emphasise.
† Blessings do not replace gifts. They have a single function that varies based on the character’s Aura
investment. Gifts may have several functions and vary based on the character’s Channel or Infuse check.
Blessings get stronger as they go up in tap level; gifts get stronger as the Immortal progresses towards
apotheosis.
† Banes do not cripple the character. Each bane limits the character’s actions, but there should always be
a way around the barrier. Banes that inflict heavy penalties (extra damage or automatically failed saving
throws) are less annoying than ones that forbid behaviours outright.
† Both blessings and banes should be flavourful and interesting. If the players wanted to just throw more
spells or develop epic feats they would use the epic rules listed in Core Rulebook II.
† Abstract powers generally give bonuses to attributes but penalties to numen. Elemental powers give
bonuses to numen or powers, but may inflict penalties on artefacts or attributes. Mythic powers produce
very strong artefacts, but sometimes impose penalties on powers.
† Make the wellsprings the setting of epic events. When a character approaches a wellspring he should feel
its power and in roleplaying games that means they must have interesting, vivid descriptions with details
that foreshadow their powers and importance.

The presence of multiple blessings makes taps somewhat more powerful than covenants. Taps balance this
power both with the banes and through the ease with which another Immortal can block the wellspring.

25
WELLSPRINGS
Wellspring Effects: Gives a list of effects the
wellspring might exert on the local environment.
Each entry describes the effect and gives it an effect
value.
Example Wellsprings: Outlines several possible
wellsprings for immediate insertion into the campaign
world. The Games Master may use these wellsprings
as written or change them to suit his personal vision.
These examples follow the rules outlined in the
Describing Wellsprings section, above.
Abstract Powers
There are myriad wonders throughout the realms of
existence, more than the mortal mind can understand
or the mortal heart can encompass in a thousand
lifetimes. Fortunately, there is order within this
chaos; the interactions of what is and what could be,
occur in predictable patterns.
Mortals call these patterns things like love and hate,
knowledge and magic, protection and triumph. By
naming the patterns they try to understand them,
to limit their effects or to bend them to mortal
needs. This effort always proves futile; no man
can command love or find knowledge’s limits. Yet
mortals will always try. In fact, many poets claim the
struggle defines the mortal spirit.
By tapping an abstract power, the Immortal gains
insight into the interactions making up the universe.
He feels the ebb and flux in his blood, understands
the nuances and ramifications of every action and
finds himself able to predict sequences of events far
into the future. This latter ability is, unfortunately,
less and less reliable as the character progresses down
the path to immortality. Mortals do not have to obey
the cosmic patterns. Therefore, whenever mortals
become involved, things change in ways those truly
in tune with the cosmos cannot predict or sometimes
understand.
Mortals perceive an aura of ‘reality’ around
wellsprings infused with abstract power. Everything
seems more of itself, more alive, more vibrant and
more awake. While within the wellspring, mortals
experience the power’s effects on their minds. For
example, a mortal standing in a wellspring of hate will
find every hateful experience in his life welling up to
assault him. The mortal does not have to act on these
impulses, but he may feel an almost overwhelming
compulsion to do so.
26
This section details the following abstract powers:
hate, knowledge, love, magic, protection and victory.
Hate (Destruction, Unreason,
The Cold Fire, The End of All
Things)
Poets and dreamers want people to believe hate
represents an aberration, a mistake somewhere in the
heart of mortal men. They claim the universe loves us
all, that it wants to care for us, that evil and rage and
despair do not exist beyond ourselves.
Warlords and madmen know differently. They see
the strength hate gives, the determination it inspires,
the zealousness and the drive it gives. They know its
power and harness it for their own ends.
In doing so they unwittingly touch upon one of the
greatest forces in the universe. Everything, even the
universe itself, ends. Even if, through chance and
strength, something survives all of the challenges laid
before it, it will still fall before the ravages of time.
Those who wield hate, mortal and Immortal alike,
accept this power without carrying it to its logical
conclusion. They take up the power while denying
that it must destroy them in the end as well. The more
they feed it, the more they use it, the harder they must
struggle to avoid their own destruction.
Despite what mortals think, hate cannot create.
The process of destruction consumes everything it
touches. It leaves nothing behind save for ashes and
regret.
Channel Bonus: +1 per 2 victories
Infuse Bonus: +1 per 2 victories
Description: Each creature experiences hate
differently. Some mortals describe it as a weight
like a mountain sitting on their chest. Others claim
it is a cold fire, burning everything else in their souls
as tinder to its flame. It dominates their thoughts,
driving them ever onward towards some goal.
For most people, hate focuses on a single target. That
target may be a person, a place, a thing, a people or a
nation. When that object finally meets its destruction
the person feels a momentary sensation of satisfaction.
However, if he does not find another target the hate
turns inward, consuming him as well.

Immortals who tap into hate feel the sensation of hate
lurking in their heart. They also sense the steady,
relentless progress of destruction all around them.
As their connection to hate deepens, their sense of
this process broadens until all they can see, all they
can understand, is that everything will end. The tools
of creation slip from their fingers and they become
avatars of the destructive principle.
Hate
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane Blessing
1 1 Blinded Eyes Heart of Hate
2 3 Hate’s Strength free action once per round.
3 5 Shrivelled Soul
4 7 Hate’s Voice
5 9 One Stands Alone Avatar of Hate
Blessings and Banes
The power of hate gives the following blessings and
banes.
Blinded Eyes (Ex): An Immortal gains this bane
when he first taps into the power of hate. He loses the
ability to gain morale bonuses from spells, spell-like
effects, supernatural abilities or skill checks. He can
still gain a morale bonus from the Heart of Hate or a
similar ability.
Heart of Hate (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he first taps into the power of hate. He learns
how to feed his hate on negative emotions, granting
him strength in the face of adversity. Any time the
character is subject to an effect that would inflict a
morale penalty due to fear he automatically fails his
saving throw or level check. However, rather than
suffering a penalty he gains a bonus equal to the
penalty to be inflicted. This bonus lasts as long as the
penalty would have.
Hate’s Strength (Su): An Immortal gains this
blessing when he achieves his third victory associated
with the power of hate. Once per day he can call upon
the cold fire to strengthen his body, granting himself
incredible physical prowess. For a number of rounds
equal to his Charisma modifier the Immortal gains
a bonus to his Strength, Dexterity and Constitution
equal to the total number of victories he has in the
power of hate.
Shrivelled Soul (Ex): An Immortal gains this bane
when he achieves his fifth victory associated with the
power of hate. He loses the ability to nurture others,
as well as any sense of growth or creation in the
27
WELLSPRINGS
universe. This lack of connection inflicts a penalty to
all healing effects the character attempts. He suffers
a penalty equal to his total number of victories in the
power of hate to all Heal checks. He suffers an equal
penalty per die rolled for any healing spell, spell-like
effect, supernatural ability or gift he uses.
Hate’s Voice (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he achieves his seventh victory associated
with the power of hate. His Immortal Aura radiates
hate, unsettling everyone around him. Even other
Immortals are not immune to this effect. The
Immortal gains the ability to use Intimidate as a
One Stands Alone (Ex): An Immortal gains this
bane when he achieves his ninth victory associated
with the power of hate. His connection with the
power of destruction seals his body and spirit
off from the generative and creative powers of the
universe. Natural or supernatural forces originating
from outside of his own body can no longer heal him.
On a practical level this means he cannot be healed by
Heal checks, spells, spell-like abilities, supernatural
abilities or extraordinary abilities possessed or cast by
anyone other than himself. This prohibition includes
magical items he carries, but does not affect gifts or
artefacts he possesses.
Avatar of Hate (Su): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he achieves his ninth victory associated with the
power of hate. His connection with hate becomes so
strong it radically transforms his body and spirit. He
sheds the last vestiges of mortal concerns, becoming
an embodiment of destruction’s cold flame. This
transformation grants bonus equal to the character’s
victories to damage against mortal creatures and non-
artefact objects. This damage bonus applies to any
attack the character makes, whether physical, psionic
or magical.
Gift Side Effects
The power of hate grants a +1 racial bonus per victory
associated with it to any attribute gift allowing the
character to deal additional damage. This bonus does
not apply to the blessings listed above, nor does it
apply to gifts that increase the characters Strength or
Dexterity attributes.
It deals a –1 racial penalty per victory associated with
it to any skill check associated with a power or numen
gift capable of generating a cure or restore effect.
WELLSPRINGS
Effect on Challenges
The power of hate increases the strength of adversaries
in challenges. Anytime a challenge associated with
hate calls for a combat, give the opponents a +1 bonus
to all attack rolls, damage rolls and saving throws.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of hate can have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Woe: The wellspring radiates a sense of
hatred and oppression. Anyone who enters it must
make a Will save (DC 10 + 2 per effect level invested
in Aura of Woe). Those that fail suffer a morale
penalty to Armour Class and gain a bonus to attack
rolls equal to the number of effect levels invested in
the aura. Aura of Woe is a mind-affecting effect. This
effect lasts until the character breaks line of sight with
the wellspring. Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/
penalty.
Bastion of Hate: The wellspring acts as a source
of power to anyone who swears his soul to hate.
Any mortal who enters it may swear himself to
hate’s cause. The bastion will then demand one act
of heinous destruction from him. If he agrees, the
character receives one boon (equal to one casting
of any spell up to 5th level). If he fails to carry out
the destruction he becomes cursed (as the bestow
curse spell). This effect can only be lifted using an
Immortal gift; mortal magic is not strong enough
to shift aside hate’s vengeance. A mortal may only
ask for assistance from the wellspring once in his
lifetime. Effect Level: 4.
Bleeding Land: The wellspring’s presence causes
the land around it to suffer from the effects of
constant destruction. The soil becomes barren. Local
settlements suffer from constant calamities (e.g.
floods, fires and storms). Nothing natural grows on
the land, nor do spells that summon animals, magical
beasts or plants work. This effect extends in a one
mile radius around the wellspring for every two effect
levels invested. Effect Level: 2 per one mile radius.
Cold Fire: The wellspring contains a physical
manifestation of hate, a cold blue flame that gives
off no light and sucks the warmth from those who
touch it. Contact with the cold fire deals 1d6 damage
per round. Damage reduction or energy resistance
cannot negate this damage. It does not heal naturally.
Magical healing heals one hit point of damage per
level of the spell used, rather than the normal healing
amount. This damage is dealt to anyone who touches
28
the fire or who is touching an object held in the flame.
Each round an object is held in the fire it has a 20%
chance of disintegrating. This effect can destroy an
artefact and triples the time it takes for the artefact to
re-manifest. Effect Level: 3.
Hate’s Hands: The wellspring feeds 30 CR of
outsiders, sustaining them on its own power in return
for their service and protection. These outsiders are
generally infernal creatures of various sorts. The
strongest of these creatures is CR 10. Effect Level: 1
+ 1 per 5 additional CR total and +2 to the maximum
CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of hate in his campaign world. Alternately,
he may use them as templates for wellsprings of his
own design.
Eye of the Mountain
Maximum Victories: 4, Unlimited
Primal Power: Hate
Effects: Bastion of Hate, Cold Fire, Hate’s Hand x3
(Nastram, half-fiend human fighter 14, 5 ice devils)
This foundation stone wellspring looks from afar like
a blue star staring down at the world with a cold, chill
gaze from high atop a windswept mountain peak.
The local people claim the eye, in reality a lighted
cave, was plucked from the face of the greatest
demon prince when he fell past the world on his
way to hell. That may be true, or it may just be an
interesting image dreamed up by men driven mad by
the mountain’s burning gaze.
Replacing Wellspring
Defenders
All of the wellsprings in this book have an
effect that grants them defenders of various
sorts. If these defenders die, either through the
character’s actions or because of background
events, the wellspring replaces the fallen at a rate
equal to its maximum number of victories in CR
per day.
For example a wellspring capable of granting
up to four victories replaces 4 CR per day. If
the wellspring needs to replace a defender with
CR greater than its maximum victories, the
victories accumulate each day until they reach
the necessary level.

The eye is a cave, cut deep into a mountain’s peak.
Within it lies a blaze of cold fire that lights the interior
with an unholy luminescence. On the mountain dwell
a handful of imps and a once human fighter, Nastram,
who imbibed the blood of a demon in order to become
ageless.
Korin’s Last Stand
Maximum Victories: 3, Limited
Primal Power: Hate
Effects: Bleeding Stones (1 mile radius), Aura of Woe
(–1 AC/+1 damage, Will save DC 12 negates)
This created wellspring came into being when Korin,
one-time king of the land, was finally brought to his
knees against a wind-swept cliff by those who sought
his throne. He cursed the rebels, his treacherous
people and the wife he loved to damnation, then cut
his own heart out with a dagger. Legend claims that in
that instant the heavens unleashed a bolt of lightning
so bright it blinded the rebels. When their vision
cleared, Korin had vanished. The only reminder of
the former king was a golden helmet fused by some
great force into the rocks at the cliff’s top.
It was later that people came to realise the terrible
truth. Nothing could grow within a mile of the
blighted spot. People who stayed near the helm flew
into blind rages, rending and killing everyone they
cared for. Some dark cults revere the location as a
holy place, but in truth even dark gods fear the powers
it represents.
Well of Bile
Maximum Victories: 9, Limited
Primal Power: Hate
Effects: Bastion of Hate, Aura of Woe (–5 AC/+5
damage, Will save DC 20 negates)
Deep underground, in the roots of the great
mountains, rumour claims there lurks a well, filled
with the concentrated malice of a hundred slain gods.
Legends say any man who can brave his way through
the corruption to drink of it becomes like unto a god
himself.
Both rumour and legend are, for once, correct. The
well of bile is a foundation stone wellspring taking
the appearance of an infinitely deep pool of viscous,
green acid. The local creatures do not serve the
wellspring directly, but they generally try to keep
outsiders away simply to avoid the constant traffic
Immortals generate everywhere they go.
29
WELLSPRINGS
Knowledge (Wisdom, Insight,
The Light of Reason)
When mortals became sentient they felt wonder at the
infinite reaches of the world and a burning desire to
understand what they saw there. The first gave rise to
art, poetry and magic. The second gave rise to science
and to the driving need of mortal creatures to push
back the boundaries of the known world.
This impulse is a manifestation of one of the basic
processes of the universe. All parts of the world seek
to understand themselves and each other to the best of
their abilities. This quest for understanding is called
knowledge; its results can be seen everywhere that
life flourishes. From the smallest creature building
a nest to the greatest achievements of the ages, the
fruits of knowledge change the face of the world for
better or worse.
Knowledge (and the tools it builds), is inherently
neutral. It has no moral character or drive to do right
or wrong. However, the pursuit of knowledge almost
always possesses moral characteristics. Mortals and
Immortals alike may break every rule of decency, turn
their back on morality or destroy innocents in their
quest to understand. The quest for knowledge at any
price can lead even a great mind down dark paths.
Such men, blinded by their own sense of discovery
and destiny, can cause as much destruction as the
most bestial demon.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Every mind displays its desire for
understanding differently. Some show it only as
a guttering, nearly dead flame long faded from
memory. Others feel it as an obsession from deep
within, driving them ever onward towards the next
mystery. In either or both cases the mind’s desire for
the knowledge with which to shape the world defines
how it interacts with that world. Minds that have
given up the quest for knowledge are at the world’s
mercy, while those that still seek it can hope to shape
the world to their will.
Immortals who tap into the power of knowledge
gain insight into the minds of others as well as the
universe around them. They gain access to one of
the most powerful of all possible tools: the ability to
understand and interpret causality itself. When they
see something happen, they know what the outcome
will be. Unfortunately, knowledge and the ability
WELLSPRINGS
to act on that knowledge are two radically different
things: history is replete with examples of prophets
who knew the truth but were unable to stop it.
Wellsprings of knowledge are calm, serene places
where a mind can explore the world’s myriad
wonders. Mortals who enter such a place cannot
help but feel the inherent majesty and purpose they
possess. Such feelings inspire joy in some, hate and
misery in others.
Knowledge
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane Blessing
1 1 Curse of Wisdom Sage’s Insight
2 3
3 5 Voice of Ages Speak Truth
4 7
5 9 Fate’s Fool Avatar of Knowledge to explain anything to them, regardless of
Blessings and Banes
The power of knowledge gives the following blessings
and banes:
Curse of Wisdom (Ex): An Immortal suffers from
this bane when he achieves his first victory associated
with the power of knowledge. The complex interplay
of causality causes the character to automatically act
last whenever order of action becomes important.
This means the character takes the last action in a
combat round in addition to acting last in any other
system requiring an action order.
Sage’s Insight (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he achieves his first victory associated with
the power of knowledge. This blessing allows him
to trace back the lines of causality, showing him
information about first causes and historical events
unknown to all but the wisest sages. Once per day
the Immortal may take 20 on any Knowledge check.
If he possesses the bardic knowledge class ability he
may use this blessing to take 20 on a check using that
ability instead.
Voice of Ages (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this
bane when he achieves five victories associated
with the power of knowledge. Whenever he tries
to communicate with someone, his target can hear
the heavy weight of surety behind his voice. This
offends creatures used to the concept of free will.
When the character interacts with mortal creatures
or Immortals he must subtract his Intelligence bonus
from Charisma-keyed skills. Furthermore, he does
not get to add his Charisma bonus to these skills.
30
Speak Truth (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he achieves his fifth victory associated with the
power of knowledge. His eyes have fully opened to the
patterns of cause and effect making up the universe.
He gains a racial bonus to all Knowledge checks
equal to his total number of victories associated with
the power of knowledge. Furthermore, all Knowledge
skills become class skills for him.
Fate’s Fool (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this
bane when he achieves nine or more victories
associated with the power of knowledge.
No matter what he does, he cannot hide his
understanding from others. They can feel
it, encroaching on their precious freedom,
pressing down on what they think is their
ability to choose what they wish. All Non-
Player Characters automatically have a hostile
reaction towards the Immortal when he tries
their normal feelings for the Immortal. An
ordinarily friendly character will not automatically
attack, but will tell the Immortal to mind his own
business.
Avatar of Knowledge (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with the power
of knowledge he gains the ability to send his gaze
deep into the past and far into the future along
causality’s paths. A number of times per day equal to
his Intelligence modifier the Immortal can cast either
divination or legend lore.
Gift Side Effects
The power of knowledge gives the character a +1
racial bonus per victory associated with it to any
attribute gift allowing the character to reveal the truth
or dispel illusions. Conversely, it grants a –1 racial
penalty per victory associated with it to any power
gift capable of creating illusions or obscuring the
truth.
Effect on Challenges
The power of knowledge increases the opposition
DCs in challenges of Insight and Wit by an amount
equal to the maximum victories allowed at the
wellspring.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of knowledge may possess one or
more of the following effects.

Aura of Truth: Everyone within the wellspring’s
bound shares, to one degree or another, the
enlightenment that comes with access to pure
knowledge. This translates directly into a +1 insight
bonus per effect level to all Knowledge checks taken
on the ground. Conversely, all spells from the Illusion
school have their DC reduced by the same amount.
Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Hidden Wisdom: The powers of
knowledge and insight watch the wellspring and
will respond to an appropriate offering. Once per
lifetime a mortal may come to the wellspring, offer
his services and receive an answer to any questions he
may ask. The task is a geas, as the spell, selected by
the Games Master. The answers act as if the character
were a 9th Level wizard casting the contact other
plane spell. Effect Level: 4.
Voices of the Land: The wellspring’s emanations
alter the creatures that live in the environment around
it. All animals and magical beasts born in the affected
area increase their Intelligence by the wellspring’s
maximum victories. Those that gain Intelligence over
nine develop the ability to speak Common and Sylvan.
These animals retain this ability even if removed from
the area. Effect Level: 1 per one mile radius.
Books of Wisdom and Truth: The wellspring
contains some form of written record, be it a bark
scroll or a nearly infinitely deep library. Whatever
form it takes, anyone who gains access to the
wellspring can spend a seven-day period looking up
anything they wish. If they do, they may take 20 on
one Knowledge check to answer a specific question.
An Immortal may use this power as often as he
wishes. A mortal may spend as many weeks as he
likes seeking knowledge, but will only be able to use
this effect once per year. Effect Level: 5.
Warriors of Enlightenment: The wellspring
supports 30 CR of monk-classed characters, the
strongest of which has CR 10. The monks study at the
wellspring, seeking out enlightenment and personal
power. They protect it from those who would misuse
its powers and challenge anyone who wishes to enter
the wellspring for whatever reason. Most of these
challenges are non-fatal, but they may involve a wide
variety of physical or mental endurance tests. Effect
Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 5 additional CR
and +2 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of knowledge in his campaign world.
31
WELLSPRINGS
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Library of the Last Truth
Maximum Victories: 4, Unlimited
Primal Power: Knowledge
Effects: Books of Wisdom and Truth, Aura of Truth
(+3 Knowledge checks, -3 Illusion DC), Voices of the
Land (4 miles)
Most mortals believe the Library of the Last Truth to
be nothing more than a myth. How could a library,
staffed by intelligent animals, carved by the hands of
the gods and located in the furthest forests of the north
contain all of the knowledge in the universe? Many a
magician has set out in search of it, only to vanish into
the cold northern wastes, their bodies lost forever.
However, this foundation stone wellspring does exist.
The animals do not so much staff it as defend it, using
misdirection and trickery to lead interlopers away.
They trick all equally; once someone wins through to
the library itself they leave them alone.
Physically, the library looks like a small cabin of logs
and stone nestled against a great pine tree. Within,
it has beds for four Medium creatures, a hearth
and several cabinets. The ‘cellar’ door leads into a
huge library filled with scrolls and codices detailing
everything that has ever happened. The materials
cannot be taken past the cellar door; they vanish as
soon as they pass it, returning to their places on the
shelves.
The Still Pool at the Heart of Forever
Maximum Victories: 13, Limited
Primal Power: Knowledge
Effects: Bastion of Hidden Wisdom, Warriors of
Enlightenment x 8 (Kwan-ji Human Monk 23, 14
human monks 3)
Two thousand years ago the Great Teacher meditated
beside a still pool surrounded by reeds. He sat for
seven times seven years until he finally saw the truth.
In that moment he transcended life and death, time,
space and all other mortal limitations. Before he
began his final journey he gave a dozen sermons.
Those words still echo faintly within that reed pool
and anyone with sufficient dedication can sit and hear
them.
Over time, a large monastery has grown around the
Still Pool. Its leader, Kwan-ji, is a master of the
WELLSPRINGS
arts and an enlightened soul. He allows any mortal
with sufficient strength of will to enter the pool and
meditate for as long as he wishes. Those who come to
the pool seeking answers usually find them, but also
find themselves bound to serve the monastery for a
period of no less than one year. Many stay on after
their term of service.
The Throne of Kings and Fools
Maximum Victories: 2, Limited
Primal Power: Knowledge
Effects: Aura of Truth (+2 Knowledge checks, –2
Illusion DC)
The would-be god-king Clarence of the House of
Neville created this wellspring when he swore his
oath to govern his people with justice and foresight.
It manifests as a slight glow within his throne room,
centred upon his large golden throne. The aura
assists all within it, prompting their memories of the
truth and stripping away illusions they impose upon
themselves and others.
Love
(Hope, The Power, Delight)
The power of hate is obvious. It reaches out,
destroying everything it touches. It brings pain, death
and ruin into the world. It causes change, change for
the worse, but nevertheless changes what mortals can
see and taste and touch.
However, destruction does not work alone. The
realms of existence came into being through an act
of creation. Mortals continue this primal act every
day of their lives. They build cities, raise crops and
bring new life into the world. They reach out to one
another with compassion in their hearts and empathy
for their fellow creatures. When hate’s flame finally
burns low, they step forward to build something even
greater than what fell.
This force, this undying power to be and to hope
against all odds, suffers endless praise by poets and
Love
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 Servant of the Threefold Law
2 3
3 5 Bound by the Threefold Law
4 7
5 9 Slave of the Threefold Law
32
prophets. Intellectuals claim it can only be expressed
in the most complex words and intricate concepts,
but any mortal who has held his own creation in his
hand or stood for a moment by his brother in a time of
need knows its strength more clearly than a thousand
words can say.
So long as love lives, hate cannot prevail. That one,
shining hope lifts mortals from the mire and gives
them the stars.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: All creatures experience love
differently. Some feel it as an overwhelming drive,
others as a deep empathy with other forms of life
similar to themselves. Most creatures, save for the
most depraved and corrupted, feel some manifestation
of love, even if it is just love of themselves and their
own lives.
Immortals who tap into the power of love experience
the joy of creation and the connections between all
things first hand. They know, intimately, what a seed
feels when it reaches upwards towards the sun and
what a star feels as it builds the planets from dust
and ash. They see the connections between people,
the lust and the hope and the joy, as a tangible force
binding heart to heart. As they strengthen their
connection to this primal force they eventually find
this empathy hampering their actions: they cannot
cause harm without it coming back upon them.
Wellsprings of love are places of great joy. Within
them, excitement and joy lurk on the edges of
perception. Mortals entering the wellspring may
find themselves weeping uncontrollably, laughing
for no detectable reason or simply smiling without
reservation. The cares and troubles of the world will,
for a moment, fall away. Those with terrible burdens
or who have chosen to carry their pain without relief,
find the experience uncomfortable and sometimes
even painful. Healing and creation are not without
pain.
Blessing
Healing Hands or Voice of Compassion
Tears of the Angels or Encompassing Heart
Avatar of Love

Blessings and Banes
The power of love gives the following blessings and
banes.
Servant of the Threefold Law (Su): An Immortal
suffers from this bane when he gains his first victory
associated with the power of love. His sudden insight
into the plight of all beings and the connections
between them binds his hands from violence. Each
time he deals an amount of damage to any target
(except undead) he suffers one point of damage in
return. Damage resistance and energy resistance
cannot negate this damage.
Healing Hands (Su): An Immortal who achieves
three or more victories associated with the power
of love may choose either this blessing or Voice of
Compassion. Healing hands allows the character
to channel a small portion of love’s soothing power
through his body and into those he cares for. All
creatures he makes a Healing check on immediately
heal an additional 2d4 hit points. This effect occurs
regardless of whether or not the Heal check is
successful. A creature can only benefit from this
blessing once per day.
Voice of Compassion (Ex): An Immortal who
achieves three or more victories associated with the
power of love may choose either this blessing or
Healing Hands. An Immortal with this blessing gains
deep insight into the connections binding the people
around him to the world. This insight gives him an
insight bonus equal to the total number of victories
associated with the power of love to Diplomacy
checks intended to end violence or hostilities.
Bound by the Threefold Law (Su): When an
Immortal achieves five or more victories associated
with the power of love he suffers from this bane.
He can directly feel the needs of others, a sense that
prevents him from denying them things they truly
need. He suffers a racial penalty equal to the total
number of victories he has associated with the power
of love to resist Diplomacy checks targeting him
based on sincere need. The Games Master is the final
arbitrator of what his characters truly need, but this
penalty does not, under any circumstances, allow the
character to lie to the Immortal in order to get more
than he truly needs.
Tears of the Angels (Su): An Immortal who achieves
seven victories associated with the power of love
may choose this blessing or Encompassing Heart.
Once the Immortal selects this option he may, as a
standard action requiring touch, transfer up to his
33
WELLSPRINGS
Constitution attribute from his current hit point total
to another character. The Immortal may also choose
to take attribute damage, disease or poison from the
target character into himself. If he does so, he suffers
the effects of the transferred difficulty. The target is
immediately restored.
Encompassing Heart (Ex): An Immortal who
achieves seven victories associated with the power of
love may choose this blessing or Tears of the Angels.
Once the Immortal selects this option he may use
his Diplomacy skill once per round as a free action,
targeting one character within line of sight. The
results of this free action do not take place during the
round, but come into effect at the target’s Initiative
point next round. The Immortal must be able to
communicate with the target to use this ability.
Slave of the Threefold Law (Su): Once an Immortal
achieves nine victories associated with the power
of love he suffers from this bane. A slave of the
threefold law cannot refuse a mortal’s honest and
sincere request for assistance. He may choose the
manner and type of his aid, but the Immortal must
provide assistance in a timely fashion.
Avatar of Love (Su): Once an Immortal achieves nine
victories associated with the power of love he gains
this blessing. He gains a nearly perfect understanding
of the connection between all creatures great and
small. This understanding allows him to retry
Diplomacy checks, regardless of the circumstances.
Gift Side Effects
The power of love supports power gifts that heal
or rebuild the world. Any gift with such an effect
receives a bonus to its effect equal to +1 per victory
associated with the power of love. Conversely, love
does not support destruction: any attribute gifts the
Immortal possesses that directly provide a damage
bonus suffer a –1 penalty per victory associated with
the power of love.
These bonuses and penalties do not apply to the
blessings or banes listed above. They do not affect
gifts that directly increase one of the character’s
mortal attributes.
Effect on Challenges
Despite its reputation for softness, love is also the
source of almost all of the great challenges to face
mortals. All challenges associated with love receive
a +4 bonus to the DC of any skill checks required to
overcome them.
WELLSPRINGS
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of love may have some or all of the
following effects on the surrounding countryside.
Aura of Shining Light: Everyone, mortal and
Immortal, standing within the wellspring can feel love
and light flowing through them, in them and between
them. Every day the creature rests there he heals one
hit point and one point of attribute damage or drain
per point of this effect. Characters have an equal
penalty to Bluff checks, because of the heightened
empathy granted by the wellspring’s effect. Effect
Level: 1 per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Hope: The power of love listens to
requests made at this wellspring and will grant them if
they are asked for in love rather than greed. In return,
the mortal making the request must dedicate his life
to the service of others. In effect the wellspring will
grant one limited wish asked for selfless reasons once
in a mortal’s lifetime. Forever after the character
must dedicate 50% of his time and 50% of his wealth
to those in need. If he fails to do so the effect of the
wish is immediately revoked. Effect Level: 4.
Fertile Lands: The wellspring’s aura permeates the
land around it. Any creature resting within the area
of effect heals as if he were engaged in full rest,
regardless of his activity level. Plants and crops are
also resistant to disease and drought as if under the
effect of a plant growth spell. Effect Level: 1 per one
mile radius.
Tree of Heart’s Ease: This physical manifestation
of love’s power looks like a large tree, bowed down
with the weight of fruit. Closer examination reveals
that the tree bears many kinds of fruits, from apples
to peaches, all ripe and ready to eat. Eating one of
the fruits cures the consumer of all diseases and
removes the effects of age for one year. A mortal can
only pluck this fruit once; each fruit thereafter acts
as deadly poison (DC 30, 3d8/5d8 Con damage) to
those who eat it. Immortals do not suffer from this
limitation. Effect Level: 3.
Defenders of the Future: The wellspring gathers
around it those with the power to create a world of
wonder and light. These guardians are not usually
warriors, although they might have some skill in
battle. Most will be experts or clerics of various
good gods. These guardians total a maximum of
30 CR, with a maximum CR of 10 for any single
individual. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1
per 5 additional CR and +2 Max CR.
34
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of love in his campaign world. Alternately,
he may use them as templates for wellsprings of his
own design.
Ancient Standing Stones
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Love
Effects: Bastion of Hope
Local legends claim that the elves set these tall blue
stones into a circle, but that giants came and scattered
them when the elves left the land. If anyone were
to ask, the elves could tell a different tale: the stones
stood, broken as they are now, when the first comers
awoke from their dreaming. Whatever their origin,
most locals know that a man and woman who go
there and ask for a child, will find themselves with
one within nine months.
The power of this foundation stone wellspring
extends far beyond simply granting a prayer for
fertility. In truth, the power within the stones will try
to grant any wish made by a person of good heart for
a selfless reason. If this were more widely known,
those hoping to trick the universe for their own gain
would undoubtedly inundate the local villagers.
The Lover’s Leap
Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Love
Effects: Aura of Shining Light (+1 HP and attribute
drain/damage, –1 Bluff)
Poets claim true love comes into this world rarely
and then only to end in tragedy. Though the rest of
the world scoffs at these exaggerations tragedy does
strike often enough for poets to hold onto a shade of
the truth. The Lover’s Leap witnessed one such story:
two young lovers, hounded by the local lord, leapt to
their death rather than betray the bond between them.
Or so the story claims. In reality, one of the gods
reached down just as they took their fateful plunge.
Taking pity on them, he took them into his service
as messengers. The lingering radiance of the god’s
touch still affects those who take their ease along the
cliff’s edge, healing their wounds and soothing their
hurts.

The Tree of Life
Maximum Victories: 7, Limited
Primal Power: Love
Effects: Tree of Heart’s Ease, Fertile Lands (3 mile
radius)
When the world came into being the gods found,
in a meadow they did not make, a tree the likes of
which they never imagined. As tall as a hill and with
branches shadowing acres of land, it bore the fruits
of every tree in the world. Each fruit was as sweet as
ambrosia and infused with power of life itself.
Mortals have heard of this tree, but do not know
its location. Or, those that do will never admit
to it. Those who find it may take a single fruit Magic
from it, a fruit that never spoils and retains its Tap
potency forever. Trying to take more results in Level
terrible, wracking death for those foolish enough 1
to consume the poisoned fruit.
Magic (Wonder, The
Unknown, Dreams)
The world of logic, of cause and effect, of truth
and consequence does not define the limits of reality.
Knowledge alone cannot sustain a heart or cause
a child to look up in the sky with delight. That
is wonder’s providence; the feeling that there is
something out there, just beyond sight and sound, that
will always exist outside of our understanding.
Although sometimes portrayed as opposing forces,
knowledge and magic are, in truth, two sides of the
same coin. Wonder drives mortals to constantly seek
out knowledge, knowledge opens up untold vistas of
wonder to those who pursue it. Working together they
create a dynamic that can fuel all of the other aspects when he achieves his third victory associated with
of the universe.
Wonder expresses the other abstract primal powers.
Flights of fancy give love form, show the path towards
hate’s fulfilment and give men hope for victory.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The desire to find magic fuels art,
poetry, crafts, madness and despair. Mortals seek it
as if it were water or air; something without which
they could not live, but also cannot truly understand.
They seek to codify it, never realising that in doing so
they destroy it.
WELLSPRINGS
Immortals who tap into the power of magic gain
access to the wonders of the universe. They see
beyond cause and effect into a world where anything
can happen. In their world, words have the power to
shape the world and a gesture can channel power fit to
destroy a city or return the dead to life.
Wellsprings of magic inundate those who enter them
with the feeling that anything might happen. Shadows
dance, candles burn with changing colours and lights
flicker just on the edge of sight. Mortals dedicated to
a world without wonder find these places extremely
uncomfortable; the more rigid the person’s mind the
less he enjoys the experience.
Victories
Required Bane Blessing
1 Poet’s Folly
2 3 Spellweaver
3 5 Dreamer’s Curse
4 7 Kiss of the Dreamer
5 9 Fate’s Fancy Avatar of Magic
Blessings and Banes
The power of magic grants the following blessings
and banes.
Poet’s Folly (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this
bane when he achieves his first victory associated
with the power of magic. Every time the character
enters combat or makes an opposed skill check he
must first make a Concentration check (DC 20) or
become dazed for 1d4 rounds.
Spellweaver (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
the power of magic. He can automatically detect
magic (as the spell) in line of sight. When making
a Spellcraft check to determine the aura’s school
he gains a racial bonus equal to his total number of
victories associated with the power of magic.
Dreamer’s Curse (Ex): An Immortal suffers from
this bane when he achieves his fifth victory associated
with the power of magic. Every time he enters combat
or makes an opposed skill check he must first make a
Concentration check (DC 25) or become confused for
1d4 rounds. This effect is in addition to Poet’s Folly
and is determined by the same skill check.
Kiss of the Dreamer (Sp): An Immortal gains
this blessing when he achieves his seventh victory
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WELLSPRINGS
associated with the power of magic. As a standard
action he may form a static image in his mind and
by making a Concentration check (DC 25 + 5 if the
target is on another plane) send it to any being in the
multiverse.
Fate’s Fancy (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this
bane when he achieves his ninth victory associated
with the power of magic. Every time he enters
combat or must make an opposed skill check he must
first make a Concentration check (DC 30) or become
stunned for one round. This effect is in addition to
Dreamer’s Curse and Poet’s Folly and is determined
by the same skill check.
Avatar of Magic (Su): An Immortal gains this
blessing when he achieves his ninth victory associated
with the power of magic. He may add his Wisdom
modifier (if positive) to his effective caster level when
casting a spell gained from one of his mortal classes.
Gift Side Effects
The power of magic augments the character’s
attribute gifts that affect mortal spells he casts. All
Aura investments he makes in such attributes are
always considered one point higher than they truly
are, so long as he invests at least one point. Thus an
investment of zero results in a total Aura investment of
zero, but an investment of one point of aura generates
the effect of two points.
Effect on Challenges
Challenges associated with the power of magic always
require some kind of magical demonstration on the
part of the challenger. If the character somehow
solves the challenge without using his own magical
powers he automatically fails.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of magic may have any of the following
effects on the surrounding countryside.
Aura of Wonder: The wellspring’s aura grants
everyone within it a glimpse of what the world could
be like if they followed their ultimate dreams and
aspirations. This gives a +1 bonus per effect level
to Craft checks and a –1 penalty per effect level to
Profession skills. Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/
penalty.
Bastion of Dreams: The power of magic listens
carefully to dreams given voice in the world. Once
per lifetime a mortal may enter the wellspring and
ask for his dream to become reality. If he willingly
36
accepts the limitation of only being able to gain levels
in the wizard, sorcerer or adept classes for the rest of
his life, the wellspring will cast a limited wish spell
for him. Effect Level: 5.
Whispered Dreams: The presence of the wellspring
infuses the land around it with magic and wonder.
All animals and magical beasts within the area
develop the ability to cast one 0 level spell per day,
chosen by the Games Master on a case-by-case basis.
Additionally, all mortals born within the area of effect
gain sorcerer as a favoured class instead of whatever
favoured class their race ordinarily prefers. Effect
Level: 1 per one mile radius.
Portal to Many Worlds: This physical manifestation
of the power of magic looks like a square-lintel door
leading into a solid wall. A character stepping into
the doorway is immediately transported to another,
random, plane. If a group of characters enter they
may be separated or may go to the same destination
depending on the Games Master’s whim. Effect
Level: 4.
Students of the Secret Fire: The wellspring has
attracted up to 30 CR of wizards and sorcerers, none
of which have a CR greater than 10. These magicians
serve the wellspring, defending it from anyone who
would use its powers. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max
CR 10) + 1 per 5 additional CR and +2 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of magic in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Gods’ Drums
Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
Primal Power: Magic
Effects: Portal to Many Worlds, Whispered Dreams
(2 mile radius)
Fishermen tell tales of a lonely stretch of coast, far
away from any human settlement, where the gods’
own thunder is caught in the surf. They say that the
fish there can undo a net by looking at it or glow in
the dark waters, luring unwary sailors to their deaths
with spectral radiance. It is said to be a cursed place,
a place where the dead whisper and men dream potent
dreams.
The God’s Drum is a foundation stone wellspring
set in caves within a sea cliff. Within the caves

the rushing tide strikes the walls, creating resonant
sounds similar to what a mile-high drum might sound
like. Deep within the caves, carved by no man’s
hands, sits a portal that leads to a thousand planes.
Even the gods do not know how to control the portal,
although some Immortals use it to escape from their
enemies.
Sargon’s Stone
Maximum Victories: 7, Limited
Primal Power: Magic
Effects: Bastion of All that Could Be, Aura of Wonder
(+2 Craft, –2 Profession)
When the Immortal magician Sargon finally
transcended he took a stone from his fiery crown
and cast it down into the world. ‘Take this stone’,
he said, ‘and study what it has to tell you. Within it I
place the path of beyond life and death, beyond hope,
beyond fear, beyond truth, into the world that must
come.’ When the stone struck the ground it became
a black rock with a thousand facets. Around it grew
a mountain and around the mountain grew a forest.
Within that forest dwell elves and other creatures too
wondrous to tell.
Tree of Yu
Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Magic
Effects: Whispered Dreams (1-mile)
Like the Tree of Life the Tree of Yu came into being
when the universe was born. Unlike the wellspring
of love, the Tree of Yu wove around itself a dense,
magical forest to prevent anyone from approaching
it. It was in this forest that the elves found it and
there they still go to it when they wish to begin their
ascension to transcendence.
Protection (Stability, Inertia)
If creation and destruction form a universal cycle and
knowledge and magic a didactic pair describing the
creation of the mind, then the concepts of protection
and victory represent a process so fundamental to life
that mortals rarely notice it. Mortals defend what they
believe to be true, often in the face of overwhelming
odds and truths. Time and the world’s weight slowly
wear down that defence, until it collapses in a moment
of victory.
The power of protection fuels this stubborn resistance.
The entire weight of nature stands against change.
Most things choose to remain unchanged, even in the
face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Objects, once
37
WELLSPRINGS
moving, tend to continue moving until something
stops them. Similarly ideas, once formed, rarely
change by more than a few degrees on their own.
Some mortals confuse the power of protection with
that of law. Order implies rigidity and stability, but
it can be fragile in its first days. Similarly, chaos
can be quite ‘heavy’, taking on a life of its own and
protecting the constant struggle it embodies with all
of history’s weight.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory.
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: Protection’s heavy weight smothers
mortal men, holds the worlds in their orbits and
provides fertile ground for creation and destruction.
The longer a thing goes on, the more power it gathers
to it and thus the harder it becomes to overcome it.
Immortals who tap into protection’s power gain
a deep understanding of how the universe resists
change. They can feel the world’s desire to remain as
it is. They can see it resisting transformation. Some
use their powers to prevent these changes. Others,
either wiser or simply not as strong, selectively
support or oppose changes they feel will better serve
their own interests.
Wellsprings of protection radiate an aura of weight
and safety. Things change slowly, if at all, near them.
This can be a relief to those who have seen too much
change or given up too much of themselves in the
long struggle to make the future. It may also stifle
those who, through youth or vision, believe the future
could be more than just the sum of what has come
before.
Protection
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane Blessing
1 1 Unstoppable
2 3 Hidebound
3 5 Immovable
4 7 Entombed
5 9 Inevitable
Blessings and Banes
The power of protection grants the following
blessings and banes.
Unstoppable (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing
when he achieves his first victory associated with
the power of protection. Once an Immortal with this
WELLSPRINGS

blessing starts to move, he tends to stay in motion. Gift Side Effects

When the character takes a move action he can The power of protection enhances attribute gifts
always move as far as he did in the previous round, that provide the character with damage or energy
regardless of any spells or effects that slow him down. resistance. The Immortal may add his total number
For example, if the Immortal moved 30 feet in the of victories associated with the power of protection to
previous round he can, barring natural barriers, move the base protection provided by the attribute.
30 feet in the next round even if he must pass through
a web spell to do so. This blessing does not grant the The power of protection also prevents the character
character extra actions in the round. from effectively employing attribute or power gifts
that transform things. He suffers a penalty to the
Hidebound (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this bane skill check required for such abilities equal to his
when he achieves his third victory associated with the total number of victories associated with the power
power of protection. The Immortal’s perception of of protection.
what is needful and useless in the universe calcifies.
As a result he can no longer learn new skills; if Effect on Challenges
he needed to know them he would already. The Challenges associated with the powers of protection
Immortal may continue to expand his knowledge in rarely, if ever, involve the destruction of something
his existing skills. that already exists. If the character kills a living
creature or destroys an object while performing a
Immovable (Ex): An Immortal gains this blessing challenge associated with this power he automatically
when he achieves his fifth victory associated with the fails even if he succeeds at the other challenge
power of protection. Once the Immortal is at rest he conditions.
stays at rest. If he did not take a move action in the
previous round he gains a racial bonus equal to his
total number of victories associated with the power
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of protection may have one or more of
of protection to any saving throw or attribute check to
the following effects.
resist being moved by an outside force.
Aura of Warding: The wellspring radiates an aura
Entombed (Ex): When the Immortal achieves
that blunts any chance for change. All objects,
his seventh victory associated with the power of
creatures and spirits within the area of effect gain
protection he comes under this bane’s influence. He
DR X/–, where X = level of the effect. This DR is
no longer believes he has any reason to continue to
doubled when added to an object’s hardness. Effect
learn about the mortal world. As a result, he can no
Level: 2 per point of DR.
longer advance in mortal character classes or prestige
classes for any reason. He may still challenge for
Sanctuary: The powers of protection carefully watch
victories in order to continue along the path to
over their chosen place. Any mortal who enters the
immortality.
wellspring may beg them for sanctuary and they
will respond. Once invoked, the power of sanctuary
Inevitable (Su): When the Immortal achieves his
prevents the protected character from harm by outside
ninth victory associated with the power of protection
forces (he still suffers damage from effects he brought
he gains protection’s final blessing. The Immortal’s
with him) or being removed from the wellspring.
every action is backed by the weight of history and
However, if the mortal ever leaves the sanctuary he
the full force of the universe’s desire to remain as it
may never return. The protected character does not
is. When the Immortal attempts a task for a second
age. He becomes, in effect, invulnerable but also
time (whether he succeeded in the first attempt or not)
eternally imprisoned. Effect Level: 4.
he gains a racial bonus equal to his positive Charisma
modifier. This bonus does not apply to similar skill
Nature’s Guarding Hand: The wellspring’s power
checks.
slowly strengthens the land and its creatures, allowing
them to resist change far more effectively than other,
Example: An Immortal uses his Jump skill to cross a
similar creatures. All beings born near the wellspring
chasm. Each time he tries to jump the chasm after
(i.e. within the area of effect) receive a racial bonus
this he gains a racial bonus to his Jump check. If he
to their saving throws equal to the wellspring’s
attempts to jump an identical chasm somewhere else
maximum number of victories. This bonus fades
he does not receive the skill bonus until after his first
skill check.

38
 WELLSPRINGS

when the being leaves the area of effect, but is ruler sleeps, waiting for the day when her followers
restored when he returns. Effect Level: 2 per one mile bring her forth for the beginning of their glorious new
radius. era.

Chamber of Ages: This physical manifestation of Moonlit Sanctuary

protection’s power resembles a sarcophagus carved
from rich green and black marble. It is large enough
to contain a single, Medium creature. Whatever is
placed within the chamber of ages is held in stasis;
time does not progress within the chamber, nor can
the stored creature interact with the outside world.
Once removed from the chamber time affects the
former occupant normally. Effect Level: 3.
Monks of the Silent Hand: An order of monks,
dedicated to discovering the ‘truth of being’, guard
the wellspring from those who threaten it. Most of
the order comes from men and women who sought
sanctuary in the wellspring over the long centuries.
The order has 30 CR of monks, with a maximum CR
of 10 for any single individual. Effect Level: 1 (30
CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 5 additional CR and +2 Max
CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of protection in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Maximum Victories: 7, Limited
Primal Power: Protection
Effects: Monks of the Silent Hand (CR 40, Max CR
12), Sanctuary
When the gods made the world they set aside a
caldera high in the Great Mountains as a private
sanctuary. This place, protected from the ravages
of time by the universe itself, would be their retreat
from the world. They intended it to be a place for rest
and healing from which they could continually renew
their dominance over all that is or would ever be.
When mortals discovered the caldera they built a
small fortress of moon-white stones in it. Over the
centuries mortals in great need began to retreat to
this foundation stone wellspring, using it as a way
to escape their pursuers or avoid paying for their
crimes. The nations claiming the lands at the Great
Mountain’s feet have established border patrols to
prevent criminals from fleeing to the sanctuary and to
catch those who finally choose to return.

Aegis of the Sea

Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
Primal Power: Protection
Effects: Chamber of Ages, Nature’s Guarding Hand
(1 mile radius)

Scholars scoff at sailors’ stories about a sunken island

that rises once every hundred years to reveal its weed-
draped ruins. They claim that such a remnant of
the past could not continue, could not struggle back
again and again against the weight of history. Sailors
who have seen it know differently; they speak of the
hideous creatures that guard the island and their lust
for blood. They also claim that the island’s undying
ruler sleeps in a sarcophagus of green marble.
Furthermore, they whisper that the time will come
when she awakens, climbs out of her tomb and leads
her long forgotten people to unthinkable glory.

The Aegis of the Sea is, in fact, a powerful created

wellspring inhabited by creatures that once dominated
the world. The remnant is a group of Immortals who
continue to try to bring the past back into the present.
Guarded by the wellspring’s power, their greatest

39
WELLSPRINGS
Immortals and gods alike sometimes use the sanctuary
as a neutral ground for meetings and discussions.
The mortals who dwell there do their best to avoid
intruding on these events.
Stones of Fire and Shadow
Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Protection
Effects: Aura of Warding (DR 2/–)
In the basement of the great Temple of Light, closed
beneath an iron door that can only be opened with a
silver key, there are three great stones. These stones
existed when the universe came into being. They pre-
date the temple, the city and some mystics believe
even the gods. Underneath the temple they sit and
wait, knowing that in time their power will be needed
once more.
Stacked around the stones is a treasure house of dark
artefacts, each a potent reminder that evil exists in
the world. If the temple were ever to come under
attack the acolytes would retreat to this chamber for
their final stand. There, bolstered by the power of the
stones, they would destroy as many artefacts as they
could before the temple fell.
Triumph
Triumph Tap Victories
Level Required
(Motion, 1 1
Roiling Might) 2 3
Despite the resistance presented by the 3 5
power of protection things do change. 4 7
Objects in motion come to rest. Mortals 5 9
overthrow history’s yoke to create
something better. What was once barren
becomes fertile and what was fertile becomes barren.
Whether in an ordered progression or wild leaps,
change overcomes stability and then settles into its
own pattern.
This power of change, of motion, allows for the
creation of the world that wonder and knowledge,
love and hate, say might be. The struggle between
the forces always results in a momentary victory,
which in turn leads to momentary stability and future
conflict.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The power of triumph manifests itself
in mortals as a relentless drive to transform the world.
Mortals cannot look at a thing without imagining how
40
it might be better or how it might make their lives
better. As this drive pushes them forward they create
the future, a world so radically different from the past
that many people cannot recognise it when they get
there.
This power also drives mortals to compete with
one another. Many mortals define their lives by
how well they do in the endless real and symbolic
competitions they construct to express this urge.
These competitions consume some of them and raise
others to positions of glory.
In Immortals, tapping the power of triumph forces
them to confront everything in the world that resists
change. They sense the constant struggle all around
them. They feel the stifling forces of history and
inertia holding back the future. As the Immortal
progresses in his understanding he may lose sight
of how inertia and motion keep one another in
balance. Unchecked, either force could easily destroy
everything: past, present and future. Unchecked
inertia leads to total stagnation; unchecked victory
leads to a world without any anchor points for minds
to understand.
Bane Blessing
Heart of the Champion
Competitive
Future’s Voice
Compulsive Motion
Victory’s Right Hand
Blessings and Banes
The power of triumph grants the following blessings
and banes:
Heart of the Champion (Ex): When the Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with the power
of triumph he gains the ability to gain insight into
competitions. When engaged in a contested skill
check with another character he may spend his Aura
to give himself an insight bonus to the check. Each
point of Aura spent gives him a +1 insight bonus.
Aura spent in this fashion is restored after 24 hours,
whether the Immortal rests or not.
Competitive (Ex): When the Immortal achieves his
third victory associated with the power of triumph he
begins to suffer from this bane. If he is not engaged
in a competition with another intelligence he finds

his attention slipping. Any normal (i.e. uncontested)
skill check he engages in suffers a racial penalty equal
to his total number of victories associated with the
power of triumph.
Future’s Voice (Ex): When the Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with the power of triumph he
gains the ability to see the shape of the future. This
vision inspires him to act even more strongly against
those who hold to the past. He gains a bonus equal
to his total number of victories associated with the
power of triumph to any opposed skill check with
an Immortal who holds a tap into the power of
protection.
Compulsive Motion (Ex): When the Immortal
achieves his seventh victory associated with the
power of triumph he begins to suffer from this bane.
Remaining still for any length of time becomes
physically painful. Each round he wishes not to move
at least five feet he must make a Concentration check
(DC 15 + 2 for each round past the first) or be unable
to prevent himself from taking a move action.
Victory’s Right Hand (Su): When the Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with the power
of triumph he gains its final blessing. The first time he
attempts any skill check he gains a racial bonus equal
to his positive Charisma modifier. This bonus only
applies to the first attempt; any subsequent attempts
do not receive the bonus.
Gift Side Effects
The power of triumph grants a racial bonus equal to
the total number of victories associated with it to any
power calling for an opposed Infusion check. When
the character loses a contested skill check called for
by a power, his next skill check (uncontested or not)
suffers an equal penalty.
Effect on Challenges
Triumph requires the challenger to overcome not
only the challenge, but also additional threats placed
along the way. Each triumph great challenge has one
additional challenge of might associated with it. If
the Immortal fails this challenge he does not pass the
great challenge.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of victory may have any or all of the
following effects.
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WELLSPRINGS
Aura of Victory: The wellspring’s aura reinforces
mortals’ fighting spirit. All mortals within the
wellspring receive a +1 morale bonus per effect level
to contested skill checks. The loser of the check
suffers an equal morale penalty to his next skill check.
Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of the Champion: The powers of triumph
listen to petitions made at the wellspring. Once per
lifetime a mortal may come to the wellspring and
ask for assistance with some great task. If the task
is worthy the powers of triumph grant the character
a +1 bonus to all skill checks and saving throws
while attempting it. If it is not, the character suffers
a permanent –1 luck penalty to all skill checks and
saving throws in the future. Should the character take
more than three months to complete the task (or if he
fails), he automatically loses one level. Effect Level:
4.
Land of Games: The wellspring’s power infuses the
land around it with an aura of competition. When
a character succeeds in an opposed skill check
within the area of effect he gains a bonus equal to
his Charisma modifier to the next skill check he
undertakes. Effect Level: 1 per one mile radius.
Champion’s Laurel: The powers of triumph manifest
themselves as a low, evergreen laurel studded with
winking lights like stars. Winners crowns made from
this laurel are also evergreen. More importantly, the
crown grants the wearer a +2 competence bonus to
a single skill. The wearer may also use the crown
to take 20 on one check with the affected skill, but
doing so causes the crown to crumble into dust. Each
champion’s laurel can produce one crown per month.
Effect Level: 4
Gladiators of the Greatest Game: The power of
triumph gathers competitors and warriors to it like
moths to a flame. These men are generally fighters
or barbarians. This effect starts with 50 CR of
combatants gathered around the wellspring, with a
maximum CR of 15. Each additional level increases
the total CR by +10 and the Max CR by +2. Effect
Level: 1 (50 CR, Max CR 15) + 1 per 10 additional
CR and +2 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of victory in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
WELLSPRINGS
Coliseum
Maximum Victories: 12, Limited
Primal Power: Triumph
Effects: Champion’s Laurel, Gladiators of the Greatest
Game (130 CR, Max CR 31)
Great empires the world over build vast amphitheatres
in which to entertain the masses. All of these are
simply echoes of the first, great Coliseum that came
into being when the universe first sprang from the
gods’ minds. This great structure, sheathed in golden
stone, stands upon the highest mountain peak. There,
mortals may compete for the gods’ amusement. The
greatest competitors might, in time, be rewarded with
Immortality themselves.
The Coliseum hosts constant games, some among
mortals and others among Immortals or outsiders.
Each game consists of a variety of challenges, most of
them fatal to those who fail. The master of the games,
a powerful celestial being of unknown origin, hands
out champion’s laurels to those who succeed. Those
who fail are buried with honour on the mountain
slopes.
The Coliseum is a foundation stone wellspring.
Grove of Champions
Maximum Victories: 3, Unlimited
Primal Power: Triumph
Effects: Champion’s Laurel, Gladiators of the Greatest
Game (70 CR, Max CR 19) Land of Games (3 miles)
Deep in the forest heart of an island kingdom, the
Grove of Champions was born when four great
kings made a bold decision. They declared their
four kingdoms must become one for the good of the
people. They agreed to a great contest; the winner
would become lord of the unified kingdom, the losers
would become sacrifices to the gods to ensure the
winner’s prosperity. The grove where they met for
their final conflict is now a sacred place, a created
wellspring of triumph where vision overcame pride
and hope overcame war.
An order of sacred knights protects the grove from
any who would desecrate it. About half the knights
are Immortals in their own right, having passed
the challenges the Grove presents. The other half
consists of well-trained mortal warriors who will lay
down their lives to defend the Grove.
Well of Ill-omens
Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
42
Primal Power: Triumph
Effects: Aura of Victory (+2), Bastion of the
Champion
In the capital of a great empire there is a marble-sided
well. The city dwellers come to the well in the dead
of night to leave offerings of blood upon the stones.
In return, they believe the ‘god of the well’ will give
them long life and prosperity. Most of those who
ask for assistance with a particular problem receive
it, but if they fail to resolve their problem their
death usually swiftly follows. This dual-edged
reputation has earned the well a deserved reputation
as both a blessed and a cursed spot, one as tricky and
unpredictable as any devil.
No one remembers the story of how this created
wellspring came into being. Nor do the locals know
about the Immortals who tap into the well’s might for
their own gain.
Elemental Powers
When the elder gods raised the world from primordial
chaos they did so through will alone. That will took
substance in the form of the six elemental powers.
Each elemental power embodies a substance, a
process and an aspect of reality without which the
world would decay back into nothingness. Four of
these powers (earth, fire, water and wind) make up
all of physical reality, from the world of mortals to
the furthest outer planes. The other two (positive and
negative energy) bind together to create the spirit of
every creature born in the multiverse.
An elemental power in isolation can create very little.
For example, the power of earth can manufacture
sterile rock and stone, increase the weight of things or
make them even more solid than they already are. In
the hands of a dedicated weaver of spells this might
be enough to raise a wall or shatter an army.
Despite its usefulness as a parlour trick, though, this
is not the elements’ true power. The elements are the
building blocks of creation, meant to fit together in
harmony. Even ‘opposed’ elements like air and earth
mingle to create everything from dust to sunlight. By
mastering these interactions mortals can reshape the
world, while Immortals can hope to someday rival the
gods themselves.
Most mortal races easily recognise the influence of
the four ‘physical’ elements. Indeed, much of mortal
magic and science focuses on the effort to manipulate
these elements. Magicians try to control the weather,

bring water up from the parched earth and sometimes
even bring mountains down for their own ends.
Common folk also recognise the importance of these
powers; after all, an imbalance in the ratios between
earth and fire or wind and water can destroy their
livelihoods in an instant.
The two ‘spiritual’ elements present a conundrum to
mortal thinkers. They can recognise the difference
between fertile and infertile soil, between poison
and wine, but can usually explain these things away
through the four physical elements. They cannot
quite grasp how important the raw power of life is
or how important a role death plays in changing the
structure of things.
Immortals who tap into the elemental powers take
up the gods’ tools. Their perceptions expand to
encompass the play of powers underlying the physical
and spiritual structures of all things. Many develop
the ability to spontaneously create objects, spirits
and even mortal creatures as they ascend towards
transcendence. A rare few can even create souls, a
power much coveted by gods and mortals alike.
Wellsprings of elemental power usually display
signs of an unhealthy imbalance in the world. The
wellspring itself may be quite beautiful, but its
presence scars the land. Even the light may look off,
tainted with odd colours or with an unnatural feel as it
is stripped of its components.
Earth (Stone, Mountains)
Everywhere mortals look they see the manifest power
of earth. Great walls of stone encircle mortal cities.
Fields of ploughed soil groan under the weight of
crops. Those crops will be stored in vessels made of
fired mud, preserved for future use in case of need.
High mountains block travel across the world, while
seemingly endless deserts give mute testimony to the
earth’s vast expanse.
Earth’s might extends even further. The substance
of earth lends its strength and weight to all physical
objects. It keeps things bound
tightly together, allows man to Earth
walk upright and pulls thrown Tap Victories
objects back down to the soil. Its Level Required
strength prevents the mountains 1 1 Slow Speech
from falling under their own great 2 3
weight. Wherever things exist, 3 5 Weight of the Mountain
earth lends itself to their use. 4 7
5 9
WELLSPRINGS
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: Mortals use tools to shape the earth
under their feet into homes, cities and nations. Some,
like the dwarves, spend their entire lives within it.
Others walk upon its surface or sail high above it. In
either case they draw wealth, materials and substance
from it. Many even worship the soil and stone as a
god.
Where elemental earth touches positive energy it
spawns so-called earth elementals. Within their
own rocky realm these spirits build strange societies
based on their understanding of weight and measure.
When called to the mortal realm they draw upon the
substance of the world, forming a body of soil and
stone. While away from their home their perceptions
become extremely limited, they can only sense and
understand things containing earth.
An Immortal drawing on elemental earth begins his
journey by learning to make and shape primal earth.
As his connection deepens he begins to perceive
earth’s place as the stable portion of the elemental
balance. This stability lends him great strength,
but also begins to limit his actions and his ability to
move. Eventually, he becomes more elemental than
mortal, bound to see only what involves the power he
commands.
Wellsprings of elemental earth are usually located
in areas devoid of life as little can survive such
tremendous imbalance. These barren areas ‘feel’
heavy to those within them, as though a great weight
pressed down upon all who dare to intrude. Mortals
who remain within the wellspring for too long
become lethargic and may eventually cease moving
all together.
Blessings and Banes
The power of earth offers the following blessings and
banes.
Bane Blessing
Hard Bones or Path to Stone
Stone’s Truth
Sunken Bones Earth’s Steady Hand
43
WELLSPRINGS
Slow Speech (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with elemental earth he begins
to suffer from this bane. His speech slows down as
earth’s weight intrudes into his mind and soul. When
the character tries to communicate with a creature
without an earth tap he suffers a –2 penalty to Bluff
and Diplomacy checks. Furthermore, using the Bluff
skill in combat takes a full round action rather than a
standard action.
Hard Bones (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with elemental earth he may
select either this blessing or Path of Stone. Hard
Bones grants the character damage resistance against
bludgeoning attacks equal to his total number of
victories associated with elemental earth. This
damage resistance stacks with other forms of damage
resistance the character may possess.
Path to Stone (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with elemental earth he may
select either this blessing or Hard Bones. The Path to
Stone gives the character the ability to summon a five
foot by five foot cube of common stone each round
as a standard action. This stone must connect on
one side to existing stone or soil. The Immortal can
create this stone at a 120 foot range. If the Immortal
creates the stone in an occupied square the occupant
must make a Reflex save (DC 12 + the Immortal’s
Charisma modifier) or be knocked prone.
Weight of the Mountain (Ex): An Immortal begins
to suffer from this bane when he achieves his fifth
victory associated with the power of elemental
earth. He loses a number of feet per round from his
overall movement speed equal to his Aura attribute.
Furthermore, he cannot willingly teleport himself,
although a hostile effect may teleport him against
his will.
Stone’s Truth (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with elemental earth he gains
this blessing. Stone’s Truth allows the Immortal to
cast commune with nature once per day. He casts this
spell as a druid with a class level equal to 5 plus his
total number of victories. If he has druid class levels
he may add them to this total.
Sunken Bones (Ex): An Immortal begins to suffer
from this bane when he achieves his ninth victory
associated with elemental earth. The character
becomes an outsider with the earth subtype. This does
not give the character any additional abilities, but he
can now be targeted by spells affecting outsiders and
banished to the plane of earth.
44
Earth’s Steady Hand (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with elemental
earth he earns its final blessing. A number of times per
day equal to his Constitution modifier the Immortal
may negate any one damage-dealing attack, including
spells. The Immortal may not negate attacks that deal
fire damage.
Gift Side Effects
Elemental earth grants a bonus equal to the total
number of victories associated with it to any skill
checks required by numen gifts that summon earth
elementals. It deals a –5 feet per victory penalty
to attribute or power gifts granting extra movement
unless that movement specifically involves burrowing.
Elemental earth never gives a gift capable of granting
flight.
Effect on Challenges
The elementals of earth jealously guard their source
from interference by mortals. Any creature attempting
to tap into elemental earth will always face at least
one challenge of strength in step of apotheosis.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of earth may have any of the
following effects.
Aura of Weight: The wellspring’s aura of elemental
force both strengthens and slows everything within.
Creatures in the aura gain a +1 bonus to their Armour
Class but suffer a – 5 feet penalty to their non-
burrowing movement per effect level. There is no
saving throw against either effect. Effect Level: 1 per
point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of the Mountain’s Heart: The elemental
earth listens and responds to sacrifices offered up at
the wellspring. Once per year a mortal may offer up
life in return for the earth’s bounty. The blood sacrifice
requires at least ten points of Constitution from the
character or other creatures. Each Constitution point
above the ten causes the bastion to return d4 gems of
random quality. If the creature survives the sacrifice
it suffers ability drain rather than damage. Effect
Level: 4.
World’s Bones: The aura of elemental earth radiating
from the wellspring strengthens stone in a one mile
per effect level radius. All stone native to the area
gains a bonus to its hardness equal to the maximum
number of victories the wellspring supports. This
bonus remains if the stone is removed from the area.

It does not apply to stone brought into the area from
outside of the effect’s radius. Effect Level: 1 per one
mile radius.
Veins of the Earth: Elemental earth manifests in
the wellspring as a twisted tree of silver, mithral,
adamantine, gold and platinum. This ‘tree’ erupts
from pure ‘roots’ of these materials reaching deep
into the earth. Harvesting more than 15 pounds of
material from the tree in a month causes it to wither
and die. Once destroyed, it takes 2d4 years for the
tree to restore itself to the point where harvesting will
not immediately kill it. Effect Level: 4.
Knights of the Mountain Heart: The spirits of
elemental earth rise to protect the wellspring’s
secrets. Earth elementals will prevent any creature
without a tap into elemental earth from entering the
premises. This effect starts with a total of 30 CR
in elementals, with a Max CR of 10. Each effect
level invested adds +10 to the total CR and +3 to the
maximum CR. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) +
1 per 10 additional CR and +3 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of earth in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Tree of Silver and Gold
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Earth
Effects: Veins of the Earth
In a hidden valley far from mortal men there grows a
tree made of silver and gold. This tree reaches up to
the sky with metal branches, occasionally shedding a
precious leaf in response to wind and weather. The
shed leaves may simply lie where they fall. A few,
however, make their way to the mountain streams,
where the water carries them down into mortal lands.
A single leaf can make a farmer’s fortune or set a
young man on a road to an adventure he will never
return from.
This foundation stone wellspring came into being
when the gods spun the world.
The Stone of Forever
Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Earth
Effects: Aura of Weight (+1 AC, –5 ft. Movement),
World’s Bones (2 mile radius)
45
WELLSPRINGS
The gods caused the Stone of Forever to come into
being when they wished to quarry stone for their
palaces. They set it in a cave deep under a mountain
made of goldstone, a shimmering red stone laced with
brilliant golden flecks. Its presence strengthened the
normally soft stone enough for it to be of use in
buildings. After they finished, the gods sealed their
quarry with even more stone, this one as black as
night.
When mortals discovered the Stone of Forever they
wondered at the huge, hewn cavern around it. The
black stone sits in the middle of a mountain cave the
size of a giant city. Over time the dwarves quarried
new stones and built their greatest city in the cavern.
Only the greatest dwarven sages know about the
Stone of Forever or realise its immense power.
Nancarus’ Cave
Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
Primal Power: Earth
Effects: Bastion of the Mountain’s Heart
Not even the gods know if Nancarus, the lord of the
Court of Shadows, claimed this cave because of its
power or if the cave gains its powers from his claim.
In either case the great wyrm’s cave is now a powerful
wellspring of elemental earth. The dragon uses this
power to fuel his immortality as well as to gather
wealth. This wealth he dispenses to his draconic
followers.
The cave’s mouth gapes like a wound in the side of
a high, snow-capped mountain. It is wide enough
to be seen from miles away and high enough to
accommodate a great wyrm standing erect. Chromatic
dragons fly in and out of the cave constantly. Some
come to seek audience with the Court; others have
business with Nancarus himself.
Fire (Flame)
Before mortals learned to harness fire they were
shackled by darkness and limited to using such
natural materials as they could scavenge. With fire
came light and warmth, as well as the ability to
transform one material into another. With the power
of transformation came all of civilisation’s wonders:
metal, ceramics, bricks and hardened woods.
Everywhere mortals look they see the results of their
mastery over flame.
In its raw state, fire provides both light and warmth.
It can also loosen the bonds between the other
elements, allowing objects to change their innate
WELLSPRINGS
balance of forces. This latter property makes fire
terribly destructive; uncontrolled change can as easily
lead to total annihilation as to something wonderful.
Fire’s destructive properties force mortals to treat it
with great caution; it is both the foundation of their
civilisation and the one thing that could completely
consume it.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Mortals both fear and worship the
power of fire. Most mortals touch small, chained fires
every day. They use these domesticated flames to
light their homes, to bake bread and to heal wounds.
Without these slaves the civilised world would cease
to exist. Yet, they also know that their cities and cosy
homes could vanish in an instant if a slave flame were
to break free. A small mistake, an unchecked fire or
an overturned fire-pot and even the greatest city of
mortal man would fall in flames.
Where fire touches positive energy it
gains intelligence and will. The
resulting creatures, called fire
elementals, have no interest
in serving mortals. They
wish only to be left
46
alone in their explorations of the infinite fire. In the
course of these explorations many have mingled their
essence with that of other primal powers, giving rise
to the salamanders, efreeti and even stranger things.
These ‘mingled’ spirits have interests that sometimes
intersect with the mortal world.
Immortals who tap elemental fire first gain the ability
to channel bits of primal fire into the world. As they
develop their powers they begin to see the role primal
fire plays in the transformation of all things. They
come to realise that without fire, seeds could not grow
into grain nor children grow into adults.
Blessings and Banes
The power of fire offers the following blessing and
banes.
Mantle of Fire (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with elemental fire he must
choose between this blessing and Path to Fire. If he
selects this blessing he develops the ability to ignite
his Aura into flame. As a standard action he may
spend one point of Aura to radiate light bright enough
to illuminate a 120 foot radius for a number of rounds
equal to his Charisma modifier. While using this gift
the Immortal cannot use Hide to obscure his location,
but does gain a +2 circumstance bonus to AC. This
light, which comes from pure elemental fire, does not
have the effect of sunlight on undead.
Path to Fire (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with elemental fire he must
choose between this blessing and Mantle of Fire.
If he selects this blessing he develops the ability to
channel gouts of elemental fire at any target within
a 120 foot radius. Channelling this fire takes
a standard action. Hitting the target requires a
ranged touch attack. The attack deals 1d6+2
per victory associated with the tap, fire damage.
The target does not get a saving throw. If the
attack targets flammable material there is a 90%
chance it will ignite.
Unfettered Flames (Ex): As an Immortal
achieves his third victory associated with
elemental fire he begins to suffer from this
bane. Whenever he uses a fire-related gift,
blessing or spell/special ability with the fire
descriptor he must make a Concentration
check (DC 25). If he fails the fire ‘spills’ over,
dealing 1d4 per victory associated with this tap,
fire damage to everyone within a 20 foot radius
of the character. Characters within the area of

Fire
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane Blessing
1 1 Mantle of Fire or Path to Fire
2 3 Unfettered Flames
3 5 Phoenix Eyes or Secret Fire
4 7 Dreams of Flame
5 9 Fire’s Freeing Hand
effect may make a Reflex save (DC 12 + Immortal’s
Cha modifier) to take half damage.
Phoenix Eyes (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with elemental fire he must
choose between this blessing or Secret Fire. If he
selects this blessing he gains the ability to see by
elemental fire embedded in the mortal realm. This
effectively gives him dark vision out to 120 feet. His
eyes also turn bright, metallic gold.
Secret Fire (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with elemental fire he must
choose between this blessing or Phoenix Eyes. If he
selects this blessing he gains the ability to withdraw
elemental fire from a creature or object he touches.
This takes a standard action (and a touch attack against
an unwilling target). This touch douses a normal fire
or acts as a dispel magic spell cast by a wizard with
a character level equal to 5 + the character’s total
victories plus any wizard levels he may have on any
magical effect with the fire descriptor.
Dreams of Flame (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his seventh victory associated with elemental fire
he begins to suffer from this bane. Whenever the
Immortal becomes unconscious there is a 10% chance
his body will be consumed by the flames he serves.
When this happens everything within a 100 foot
radius suffers 5d6 fire damage (Reflex save DC 13 +
Cha modifier for half damage). Flammable items are
set ablaze. The character reappears, unharmed, in a
random location 1d4 days later.
Fire’s Freeing Hand (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with elemental
fire he gains its final blessing. For a number of rounds
per day equal to the Immortal’s Charisma modifier he
can become incorporeal. When he does so, he gains
all of the benefits and disabilities of that state. If he
chooses to be visible he glows with a faint red light.
Gift Side Effects
Elemental fire grants a bonus equal to the total
number of victories associated with it to any skill
47
WELLSPRINGS
checks required by numen gifts that
summon fire elementals.
Effect on Challenges
Elemental fire demands both
creation and destruction from those
who would tame it. Each stage of
apotheosis involving elemental fire
must involve at least one challenge
of power or challenge of creation.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of fire may have any of the following
effects.
Aura of Flame: The wellspring’s aura greatly
enhances any spell with the fire descriptor while
unravelling other forms of magic. Spells and effects
with the fire descriptor cast within the wellspring gain
a +1 bonus per effect level to their DC. Spells with
any other descriptor (or no descriptor at all) suffer a
–1 penalty per effect level to their DC. Effect Level: 1
per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of the Consuming Fire: The might of
elemental fire lies in its ability to change the form
of objects. Once per lifetime a mortal may petition
elemental fire at this wellspring for just such a
transformation. There is a 50% chance that the
element will respond. If it does not, the mortal may
never petition for transformation again. If it does,
the mortal is immediately affected as if he were
reincarnated (as the spell). Effect Level: 4.
Scorched Earth: The presence of overwhelming
elemental fire makes it so nothing can grow near the
wellspring. The land within the area of effect feels dry
and lifeless. Animals that do not live within the area
of effect avoid the area. Characters bringing animals
into the area of effect must make a Handle Animal
check (DC 20) each half hour to keep the animal from
panicking. The creature remains panicked until it
leaves the area. Effect Level: 1 per one mile radius.
White Flame: Pure elemental fire manifests as a
burning, blue-white flame. Curiously, this flame does
not burn things; instead, it deals any object or creature
coming into contact with it a random transmutation
spell of 5th to 8th level (1d4+4). The creature that
touches the flame gets no saving throw against the
effect. The flame has an effective caster level of 20.
Effect Level: 3.
WELLSPRINGS
Knights of the Flame: Spirits of elemental fire watch
over the wellspring. These spirits may be a mix of
fire elementals, salamanders and efreeti. The knights
include 30 CR of creatures with a maximum CR of
10 per creature. Each additional effect level invested
increases the total CR by 10 and the Max CR by
3. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 10
additional CR and +3 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of fire in his campaign world. Alternately,
he may use them as templates for wellsprings of his
own design.
Flame in the Sea
Maximum Victories: 3, Limited
Primal Power: Fire
Effects: White Flame
Sailors’ chanties tell of a place, far out to sea, where
a man might look over the side of his ship and see a
single star shining in the deeps. Being superstitious
sorts, sailors claim this light comes from the
unblinking eye of an elder god chained to the ocean
floor by other gods fearful of his power. Sages know
these crude men refer to one of the great wonders of
the world, a foundation wellspring of elemental fire
called ‘Flame in the Sea’.
This wellspring is located two hundred fathoms
below the water’s surface. It looks like a man-tall
candle flame attached to the seafloor. Anything that
comes in contact with the flame suffers an immediate,
sometimes irrevocable change to its basic nature as
elemental fire unbinds its components. Some sages
seek out the flame in order to test their personal
hypotheses about how the gods made reality; others
seek it out for the raw power it holds.
Bridge of the Sun
Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
Primal Power: Fire
Effects: Knights of the Flame (40 CR, Max CR 13)
In the rocky lands of the desert sun there sits a wonder
of the world unlike anything made by mortal hands.
It is a ‘natural’ bridge of butter-coloured stone. One
end has anchored itself firmly in the ground. The
other reaches up towards the sky. At the bridge’s end
burns a flame so bright mortals have difficulty looking
upon it.
48
From this flame come the bridge’s protectors: a huge
elder fire elemental and a small host of lesser fire
spirits. These creatures will prevent mortals from
approaching the bridge by any means necessary.
They avoid direct conflict with powers greater than
they; instead they use trickery and deception to
achieve their goals.
Cathedral of the Purifying Flame
Maximum Victories: 7, Limited
Primal Power: Fire
Effects: Bastion of the Consuming Fire, White Flame
Just before she transcended the mortal world the
mighty Immortal priestess Verlia Pirelli set her
sword into her temple’s altar stone. The sword’s
blade became a dancing white flame capable of
transforming anything it touched. The entire temple
became infused with elemental fire, with the flame
acting as a conduit for that might. Any mortal who
so desires may petition the flame for a new life.
Sometimes the petition is granted. Other times, the
power refuses the request without saying why.
This power to transform gave rise to a cult dedicated to
finding and helping those who need a second chance
in life. This cult, the Brotherhood of the Helping
Flame, gives aid and sustenance to those who need it.
Those unfortunate souls the Brotherhood cannot help
they bring, by force if necessary, to the Cathedral for
ritual purification and transformation.
Positive (Life)
Mortals describe the first of the two spiritual elements
as ‘positive energy’. This title, though, tells them
even less than they truly know about it. It implies
a kind of physicality, as though the substance of life
itself were nothing more than lightning or thunder.
Lacking a better term though mortals continue their
debates, seeking knowledge about something that
may, in truth, be unknowable.
Positive energy is the generative force of life itself.
It does not create life; this element by itself simply
exists as a possibility. Instead, when combined in
measures with the physical elements it animates
them, giving them volition and will. Unchecked,
this element would spread like wildfire, granting
everything in existence a kind of sentience.
When combined with the other spiritual element,
positive energy becomes part of what mortals call a
‘soul’. This soul contains the essence of a person,
his personality, experience, hopes and dreams. It
 WELLSPRINGS

also acts as a channel through Positive

which the abstract powers of Tap Victories
the universe give themselves Level Required Bane Blessing
voice and form.
1 1 Touched by Mystery Blazing Heart or Path to the Light
Channel Bonus: +2 per 2 3
victory 3 5 Shining Embers
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory 4 7 Heart of Light
5 9 Shining Bright Sun’s Harsh Hand
Description: Mortals rarely
him the sparks of energy embedded in every part of
understand the role positive energy plays in the
the land. Any time he makes a Concentration check
universe. They prefer a mechanical universe, one
he must make a Will save with the same DC as the
where combining the four physical elements results
skill check. If he fails the Will save he is automatically
in everything they see, touch and feel. The idea that
dazed for 1d4 round, regardless of whether or not he
the food they eat might not sustain them, nor the sun
succeeded in the Concentration check. The action
warm them, without some spiritual component simply
that forced him to make the Concentration check
never occurs to them. Even when they face positive
completes whether the character succeeds or fails the
energy directly, as it manifests through the hands of
Will save.
clerics and paladins, they think of it as holy energy
outside of their own experience.
Blazing Heart (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with positive energy he
Positive energy, being the motive force of life itself,
must select either this blessing or Path to the Light.
occasionally coalesces into spirits of pure positive
If he selects this blessing, positive energy infuses his
energy. These creatures have little in common with
body and spirit. He gains spell resistance equal to
any other life form. Indeed, most creatures that see
20 + his Charisma modifier + his victories associated
them cannot even believe they are alive. They have
with positive energy against necromantic spells and
little form or substance, though they may seem to take
negative energy effects. This includes gifts associated
form by animating the substance of whatever world
with negative energy.
they find themselves in.
Path to the Light (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
Immortals who tap directly into positive energy begin
his first victory associated with positive energy he
to understand its role in the universe. They see little
must select either this blessing or Blazing Heart. If
sparks of it in nearly everything, from the supposedly
he selects this blessing he gains the ability to turn
‘lifeless’ stone in mountains to the dancing campfire
undead as a cleric a number of times per day equal to
light. In time they learn to channel this power into
his Constitution modifier. His effective cleric level is
themselves and their surrounding area. Eventually, as
equal to 5 + his total number of victories associated
they approach transcendence they shed their physical
with positive energy. If he already has the ability to
forms to become beings of pure, unchained spirit.
turn undead add 5 + his total number of victories to
his effective level and three turning attempts per day.
Wellsprings of positive energy are covered with
verdant vegetation. The rampant positive energy
Shining Ember (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
drives life to a frenzy of excitement, making it grow
his fifth victory associated with positive energy he
in ways that are neither natural nor healthy. This can
begins to suffer from this bane. Undead and other
cause mutations among nearby animals, or even give
creatures of negative energy can detect the character
rise to dire animals of great strength and viciousness.
at a range equal to 100 feet per victory associated with
positive energy the Immortal possesses. This sense
Blessings and Banes cuts through all magical or mundane attempts made
The power of positive energy gives the following by the Immortal to hide and does not require line of
blessings and banes. sight.
Touched by Mystery (Ex): When an Immortal Heart of Light (Ex): When the Immortal achieves
achieves his first victory associated with positive his seventh victory associated with positive energy
energy he begins to suffer from this bane. The he gains this blessing. By making a Concentration
Immortal’s perception radically expands, showing check (DC 30) he can radiate positive energy in a

49
WELLSPRINGS
20 foot radius. This affects undead as if they had
entered sunlight. Living creatures below zero hit
points immediately heal to zero. They also lose
a corresponding number of hit points from their
maximum total hit points. Each round the Immortal
maintains the heart of light he expends one point
of his Aura. These points return 24 hours after the
Immortal ceases using this ability.
Shining Bright (Ex): When the Immortal achieves
his ninth victory associated with positive energy he
begins to suffer this bane’s effects. Whenever he
channels positive energy by turning undead or using
a gift or blessing associated with positive energy he
lights up the universe with a blinding blaze. Any
creature associated with an elemental power may
detect his presence by making an Infuse check (DC
10) if they are within a 100 mile radius of the point
where the Immortal activated his powers.
Sun’s Harsh Hand (Ex): When the Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with positive
energy he gains its final blessing. The Immortal may,
as a standard action, make a touch attack against any
creature or object within touch range and expend a
turn undead attempt. When he does so, the target
must make a Fortitude save (DC 20 + the total number
of victories associated with positive energy). If it fails
an object vanishes in a spark of rainbow light or the
living creature takes 20d10 damage. If it succeeds the
object is unharmed or the creature takes half damage.
Gift Side Effects
Positive energy infuses every action the Immortal
takes. His gifts cannot be used to assist creatures
that have imbued themselves with negative energy.
He may not target an undead, evil cleric or other
character with the ability to rebuke undead with gifts
granting bonuses, healing or protective abilities.
This limit does not apply to the Immortal if he wields
both positive and negative energy taps.
Effect on Challenges
Positive energy demands considerable effort on the
part of its Immortals. Every great challenge associated
with this power must be a challenge of life.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of positive energy may have some or
all of the following effects.
50
Aura of Light: The wellspring’s aura of positive
energy infuses everything within it with an inner
glow. Undead suffer a –1 penalty per effect level
to all attack rolls and skill checks. Living creatures
gain a +1 bonus per effect level to Fortitude saves
to resist exhaustion and to Concentration checks to
resist the effects of pain. Effect Level: 1 per point of
bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Leaping Lights: Positive energy has
built up in the wellspring to the point where it has
achieved a kind of sentience. Once in his lifetime a
mortal may petition this awareness, offering up his
life in exchange for the life of one other, already
dead person. The mortal instantly dies and cannot be
brought back to life through any means. The person
he wishes to raise will return to life in 1d4 days. The
target’s body is cured of all illnesses and restored to
youth. Effect Level: 5.
Light from the Corners: Positive energy causes the
area around the wellspring to shimmer with almost
visible light. Living creatures within the area of effect
gain a +1 bonus to their saving throws to resist disease,
massive damage and negative levels. Undead within
the area lose one point from their Damage Resistance.
These effects end when the character leaves the area
of effect. Effect Level: 1 per one mile radius.
Crystal of Infinite Worlds: Positive energy has
crystallised into a crystal as large as a man. A
character standing before the crystal can, with a
Concentration check (DC 30), cause it to show him
anywhere in the universe where positive energy
motivates life. This scrying shows a single, static
picture then fades away. Effect Level: 4.
Knights of the Blazing Sun: Wellsprings of positive
energy tend to create their own defenders. These
creatures may be elementals, celestials or infernals
of any sort. The first effect level allows for a total of
30 CR of creatures with a maximum CR of 10. Each
additional effect level invested increases this by +10
CR and increases the Max CR by +3. Effect Level:
1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 10 additional CR and
+3 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of positive energy in his campaign
world. Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.

First Fire Home
Maximum Victories: 2, Unlimited
Primal Power: Positive
Effects: Bastion of Leaping Lights, Light from the
Corners (1 mile)
When men first walked these fields they discovered
a land filled with wonder and mystery. In the most
mysterious places they built their first temples.
Later, these temples became centres of learning, of
trade and of political might. Through this process a
few foundation stone wellsprings, like the First Fire
Home, were incorporated into the fabric of human
civilisation.
The First Fire Home itself is a small, unremarkable
cave within which dances a single blue spark. Mortals
have sealed the cave off with golden doors, beyond
which stretches one of their great cathedrals. Around
the cathedral sprawls a great imperial city. Its people
bask in the wellspring’s light, even though most do
not know where their good fortune comes from.
The cathedral priests will attempt to prevent anyone
other than a member of their order from approaching
the wellspring’s doors. Only the high priests and the
emperor himself are allowed past those doors into the
inner sanctum.
51
WELLSPRINGS
The Hall of Stars
Maximum Victories: 6, Unlimited
Primal Power: Positive
Effects: Aura of Light (Living: +2 Fort saves and Con
checks to resist paint, Undead: –2 attack rolls and
skill checks), Crystal of Infinite Worlds, Knights of
the Blazing Sun (120 CR, Max CR 37)
The Hall of Stars came into being when the gods
needed a place to rest their weary heads after the
hard work of shaping motion and stillness into souls.
When the greatest of them set down the tools of
making he slipped a bit, cutting open a little tear in
the world’s fabric. Life’s light welled up through the
tear, giving animation and power to the mythic forces
it touched.
In this birthplace the first celestials and infernals
came into being. In honour of this ancient truth both
good and evil now stand guard over their birthplace.
Anyone who dares to approach the wellspring will
have to deal with creatures of enormous power, along
with those Immortals who have staked out the Hall of
Stars as their own.
Over the millennium the Hall has grown from a
simple cut in the universe into a huge fortress of
rainbow coloured stone. The fortress serves a dual
WELLSPRINGS
purpose: it keeps the positive energy within from
touching more mythic force while also protecting the
wellspring from interlopers.
Thunder’s Peak
Maximum Victories: 1, Limited
Primal Power: Fire
Effects: Light from the Corners (1 mile)
This tall peak stands guard over a hero’s grave. No
one remembers his name or his fate, but local legends
claim that any man visiting his grave will find peace
and health there.
The grave itself is located in the middle of a high
cliff. Anyone who wishes to reach it must make five
Climb checks (DC 20) if coming from the bottom or
three (DC 10) to rappel down the cliff. Some claim
the hero’s ghost will speak to those who sleep in his
home, but none who dare such a feat have seen it for
the last hundred years.
Negative (Death)
Mortals call the second spiritual element ‘negative
energy’. They associate it with darkness, death and
the forces of evil. By giving it a name mortals hope
to understand it. Through understanding, mortals
hope to tame it or at least somehow keep it away from
their own precious lives. In truth though, they simply
do not understand its place and role in the universe.
What mortals do not understand they fear. What they
fear they hate and brand as evil.
Negative energy is no more good or evil than any of
the other elements. Like fire or water it can be used to
destroy. Like earth or wind, it can create if properly
harnessed. When in balance with positive energy it
builds the channel through which the powers of love
and hate, knowledge and wonder enter the universe.
By itself, negative energy brings quiet and stillness
to things. It freezes water, makes fire die down and
draws the heat from the earth. When it overwhelms
its counterpart it causes a creature’s
animation to cease, leading to its Negative
death.
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
1 1
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Mortals readily 2 3
acknowledge negative energy’s 3 5 Ebon Eyes
presence. They want to think of it as 4 7
an evil force, reaching out hungrily 5 9 Eternal Cold
52
to consume their lives. The idea that their own end
might be part of the cycle built into things scares
them. That this end might need a spiritual force to
ensure it happens and that this force might just be a
tool like the other elemental powers, scares them even
more. If it is a tool and not a hostile force then anyone
could take it up for their own ends.
Negative energy does not, as a rule, create its own
elementals. Even things that appear to be negative
energy spirits are, at their core, the decayed remnants
of some other kind of creature infused with the power
to end. That these creatures often turned to negative
energy in an attempt to sustain their lives is an irony
of the first order. That it does so is not entirely
surprising; so long as a spirit has a small spark of
positive energy left the interaction between the two
forces can provide something resembling life.
Immortals who associate with negative energy are not
necessarily evil. Many are, as the power to end the
universe appeals to personalities that align naturally
with darkness. When they begin their association
they sense negative energy’s overwhelming hunger
and its constant demands to be unleashed. Later, as
their understanding and the depth of their connection
grows the Immortals may begin to see how negative
energy works in combination with the other five
elements to create rather than destroy the world.
Immortals that achieve this level of understanding
tend to reach apotheosis soon afterwards.
Wellsprings of negative energy have a brittle feel
about them. The surrounding landscape seems
to have been sucked dry of all life. What living
creatures remain are sickly and weak. The undead
usually congregate in such places, raising up hideous
mockeries of human courts.
Blessings and Banes
The power of negative energy gives the following
blessings and banes.
Blessing
Touched by Shadows Shadowed Heart or Path to
Midnight
Draw in the Light
Night’s Soothing Hand

Touched by Shadows (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with negative
energy he begins to suffer this bane’s effects. His
body can no longer absorb positive energy. This
means he cannot be healed by magical means. He
does not take damage from positive energy effects nor
do inflict wounds spells cure him.
Shadowed Heart (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with negative energy he
must select either this gift or Path to Midnight. If
he chooses this gift his body is infused with negative
energy. An inflict damage spell targeting him actually
cures damage, while a cure wounds spell deals
damage.
Path to Midnight (Su): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with negative energy he
must select either this gift or Shadowed Heart. If
he chooses this gift he may rebuke undead as an evil
cleric up to three times per day. His effective cleric
level is equal to 5 + the total number of victories
associated with this power. If he already has cleric
levels with the ability to rebuke undead he instead
gains a bonus to his effective cleric level for rebuking
equal to 5 + victories and gains three additional
rebuke attempts per day.
Ebon Eyes (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with negative energy he
begins to suffer from this bane. The Immortal no
longer sees using mortal perceptions. Instead, he
senses everything as a conflux between positive and
negative energy. His eyes become jet-black orbs.
On the positive side, he gains darkvision 30 feet.
However, he can no longer use the Sense Motive or
Search skills.
Draw in the Light (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with negative energy he
gains this blessing. When a person channels positive
energy or uses a gift associated with positive energy
within 30 feet of the Immortal he may use one of his
own rebuke undead attempts to immediately cancel
the action. Doing this is a free action that does not
provoke an attack of opportunity.
Eternal Cold (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with the negative energy he
suffers from this bane’s effects. He no longer heals
naturally. He may convert one rebuke attempt into d4
points of healing if no other healing is available.
53
WELLSPRINGS
Night’s Soothing Hand (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with negative
energy he gains access to its ultimate blessing. He
may make a level-draining attack by successfully
touching his target and expending a rebuke attempt.
This attack drains the Immortal’s Cha modifier in
levels from the target. The Immortal heals five hit
points for every level drained. The DC to shake off
the negative levels is 25.
Gift Side Effects
Negative energy infuses every action the Immortal
takes. His gifts cannot be used to assist creatures that
have imbued themselves with positive energy. He
may not target a good cleric or other character with
the ability to turn undead with gifts granting bonuses,
healing, or protective abilities.
This limit does not apply to gifts affecting the
Immortal himself if he possesses both negative and
positive energy taps.
Effect on Challenges
Gives information about the effect the primal power
has on challenges undertaken at its wellsprings.
These effects apply regardless of the wellspring’s
own effects, as described above.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of negative energy may have some or all
of the following effects.
Aura of Stillness: The wellspring’s aura of negative
energy sucks away the life’s energy embedded in
the world. This effect manifests as a cold, thin mist
rolling along the ground. This mist climbs up any
item it touches as if it had a mind of its own. Non-
undead within the area of effect must make a Will
save (DC 10 + the wellspring’s maximum number of
victories) or suffer a –1 per effect level penalty to all
saving throws. The character must make this saving
throw once each hour until he fails. Undead within
the area of effect may add the effect’s level to their
HD for the purpose of determining how many undead
a turn undead check effects. Effect Level: 1 per effect
level.
Bastion of Hunger: The negative energy within the
wellspring has gained a kind of sentience. With this
awareness comes an insatiable hunger that stillness
cannot satisfy. Once per lifetime a mortal may come
to ask this awareness for a favour. If the mortal
agrees to give up part of his essence, in the form of
five attribute points of the energy’s choice, it will
WELLSPRINGS

grant him one wish (as the spell). This spell

takes effect as if cast by a 20th level caster. The
attribute drain cannot be healed. Effect Level: 4.

Drained Earth: The wellspring sucks the spark

of positive energy out of the surrounding lands.
Crops cannot grow within the area of effect nor
animals survive. Injured creatures within the
area of effect cannot heal, but also do not die
if reduced below –10 hit points. Both of these
latter effects cease when the creature leaves the
drained earth behind. Effect Level: 1 per one
mile radius.

Mirror of Darkness: Negative energy takes

physical form in this black, highly reflective
crystal. Any sentient creature who dares to
look into the crystal will see a thousand possible
futures, each ending in his own failure and death.
By taking a full round action the viewer may
make a Concentration check (DC 25) to gain
some control over what the mirror displays. The
next round the character gains knowledge as if
he cast a divination spell as a 20th level caster.
However, this advice always describes the
character’s inevitable defeat rather than how to
triumph. Effect Level: 3.

Knights of the Shadows: The wellspring attracts

once-living spirits who draw upon its stillness for
something resembling sustenance. The resulting
group of incorporeal undead may or may not co-
operate with one another normally, but they will act
together to expel any invaders. The first effect level
allows for a total group CR of 30, with a maximum
single creature CR of 10. Each additional level
adds +10 to the total CR and +3 to the maximum
CR. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 10
additional CR and +3 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of negative energy in his campaign
world. Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
The Grasping Pool of Kork’klaz
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Negative
Effects: Aura of Stillness (–1 to saving throws (Will
DC 14, negates), +1 HD for undead to resist turning),
Mirror of Darkness
The Immortal lich Kork’klaz wove a great and terrible
magic to extend his failing ‘life’ through another
age of man. This spell tore the spark of life from
everything within a hundred mile radius. Such great
force cannot be wielded without consequence; in this
case, Kork’klaz found he could no longer leave the
cave where he enacted the ritual. However, the spell
also created a wellspring of negative energy the lich
could use to sustain himself in all the ages to come.
When the created cataclysm finally came to an end
it also left behind another relic, a man-sized black
crystal capable of driving a man mad. Kork’klaz
stands in front of the crystal all day, every day,
exploring the future looking for a shred of hope. Of
course, the lich was mad long before he found the
crystal, so no one can gauge its effects on his sanity.
Shadowed Vale of Ancient Sorrows
Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Negative
Effects: Drained Earth (1 mile), Knights of the
Shadows (40 CR, Max CR 13)

54

Once two great kingdoms clashed in ‘glorious’ battle
in a fertile mountain valley. Noble knights crouched
over long lances as they urged their white chargers
forward. Arrows fell like steel-tipped rain onto the
massed infantrymen while heralds cried out the
names and deeds of a hundred honourable families.
When the slaughter finally finished only the crows
remained.
The carnage blighted the vale and all who lived
within it. The soil could no longer support life;
creatures within the vale could not heal or give
birth. Worse, the first full night after the great battle
revealed a further horror; the men who fought and
died in the valley continued on their war as ghosts.
Most of these creatures do not notice mortals who
accidentally stumble into their midst. A few, though,
hate everything alive enough to break aside from their
ancient battle long enough to chill a bit of flesh.
The Tomb of Pudjo
Maximum Victories: 3, Limited
Primal Power: Negative
Effects: Aura of Stillness (–2 to saving throws (Will
DC 3 negates), Knights of the Shadows (30 CR, Max
CR 10)
Once, legends claim, all mortals feared the wrath of
the Immortal mage-lord Pudjo. This insane tyrant
ruled over all the desert lands with an iron fist, raining
down bounty and destruction equally under his sway.
Eventually a group of priest-magicians rose up to bind
him. After a titanic struggle they forced him back into
the tomb he constructed against his eventual demise.
There they bound him with chains of iron and magic.
Then they sealed the tomb with further spells, causing
it to vanish into the desert sands.
Unfortunately for the priests the Tomb stood over
the source of Pudjo’s power; a wellspring of negative
energy created when the world came into being.
Although the Immortal was not able to shake off his
chains he could and did raise a small army of wraiths
to his service. These creatures range far and wide,
searching for living creatures to feed their master’s
thirst. If mortals would build a settlement within one
day’s wraith’s flight from the forgotten tomb it might
start a chain of events leading to Pudjo’s release and
the return of his empire.
Water
When mortals look out at their world they see the
physical form of water everywhere. It falls from the
sky in great sheets, causing the earth to ripen and
55
WELLSPRINGS
bear fruit. Great rivers carry goods from city to city.
Oceans cover the world, separating lands and giving
rise to entire cultures.
In isolation, the power of water can create great
torrents of lifeless liquid. Left unchecked it would
flood the world with stale liquid, smothering
everything under its weight. Such power can provide
marginal sustenance for those in desperate need or
destroy a hundred leagues of cultivated land.
Water’s might lends objects their flexibility and
coherence. Without water metal would shatter under
an impact and flame die when wind touched it. Water
makes earth soft so that mortal hands can shape it,
only to be driven out by fire to form weapons of war
or ploughshares. It similarly supplies living creatures
with the flexibility to move, despite the weight lent
them by the earth.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Everywhere mortals go they depend on
water in its raw form. They drink it, use it to wet their
fields and float weights beyond their ability to lift
down its ever-moving bulk. When properly chained,
water is a tremendous resource. Occasionally it slips
its bounds to create floods or storms, but such risks
are simply part of the mortal coil.
When elemental water comes into contact with
positive energy it animates into water elementals.
These creatures rarely interact with the mortal
realms. When they do, they take their bodies from
the water in the surrounding area. If there is a large
body of water nearby this causes little harm. In a very
dry place though this water comes directly from the
environment, causing untold harm.
Immortals who tap into the power of water gain an
innate understanding of water’s substance. As they
progress towards apotheosis they learn to channel
primal water through their bodies and to infuse it
into the world around them. They also gain a sense
of the balance of elements around them and how to
use that balance to their own ends. Towards the end
of their journey most Immortals associated with the
power of water become much like water elementals,
concerning themselves with the ebb and flow of the
world rather than mortal concerns.
The land around wellsprings of water seems to
shimmer and shake. Nothing is firmly fixed.
WELLSPRINGS
Formerly solid objects may become flexible, iron rots
and wood turns into putrid mush far more quickly
than seems natural. The creatures in such a place
generally develop amphibious characteristics, even if
they are not amphibians normally.
Water
Tap Victories
Level Required Bane Blessing
1 1 Gliding Steps or Path to the Waves
2 3 Turgid Flow
3 5 Graceful Motion
4 7 Dream of the Waves
5 9 Water’s Rolling Hand
Blessings and Banes
The power of water grants the following blessings
and banes.
Gliding Steps (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with elemental water
he must choose either this blessing or Path to the
Waves. Gliding steps allows the character to move
with water’s fluidity. He may move over difficult
terrain (e.g. rubble, an uneven cave floor or thick
undergrowth) using one square of movement rather
than two.
Path to the Waves (Su): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with elemental water he
must choose either this blessing or Gliding Steps.
If he chooses this blessing he gains the ability to
channel a five foot cube of water into any space
within 120 feet. Creating this water is a standard
action. If he creates this water a significant (30 feet
or more) height above a target he can strike the target
for 2d6 bludgeoning damage if he makes a successful
ranged touch attack roll, using Intelligence rather than
Dexterity as the modifying attribute. This water is in
every way normal and deforms as it interacts with the
environment. It is also completely sterile and cannot
support fish or other life forms.
Turgid Flow (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his third victory associated with elemental water
he begins to suffer this bane’s effects. When the
Immortal is confined in an area for more than one
hour he must make a Concentration check (DC 20) to
resist falling asleep. Each hour after the first he must
make an additional Concentration check (DC 20 + 2
per hour) to resist the lull of sleep. If he fails he sleeps
for 2d4 hours before beginning the cycle anew.
Graceful Motion (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with elemental water he
gains this blessing. A number of times per day equal
to his Dexterity modifier he can momentarily infuse
his body with the fluidity of water. This allows him to
take 20 on one Escape Artist or
Tumble check. Activating this
ability is a free action.
Dream of the Waves (Ex):
When an Immortal achieves
his seventh victory associated
with elemental water he suffers
from this bane’s effects. When
he slumbers he must make
a Concentration check (DC
30). If he fails this skill check the Immortal dreams
of the endless deeps. He cannot awaken for 1d4 days,
unless he suffers half or more of his current hit points
in damage. While dreaming he heals 6 x his mortal
character level in hit points per day and heals one
point of attribute damage or drain per day.
Water’s Rolling Hand (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with elemental
water he gains access to its ultimate blessing. The
Immortal gains the ability to momentarily transform
his body into a liquid state with effects similar to
gaseous cloud spell for a number of rounds equal to
his Charisma modifier per day.
Gift Side Effects
Elemental water grants a bonus equal to the total
number of victories associated with it to any skill
checks required by numen gifts that summon fire
elementals. Gifts associated with elemental water
cannot create light or force effects.
Effect on Challenges
Elemental water requires strength of self to master its
boundless depths. Each step of apotheosis involving
the power of elemental water must involve at least one
challenge of will.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of water may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Waves: The power of elemental water
flows through everyone who enters the wellspring.
Everything within the area of effect gains Energy
Resistance (fire and cold) 2 +1 per level of the effect.
However, each time a living creature takes advantage
of this protection he must also make a Fortitude save
56
 WELLSPRINGS

(DC 10 + the wellspring’s maximum number of creatures thus submerged stop breathing after three
victories). If he fails this save one random object on rounds. One round after that, submerged creatures
his body instantly rots away. Effect Level: 1 per point enter a deep, lethargic trance. They no longer age nor
of bonus/penalty. do they breathe or require physical sustenance.

Bastion of the Deeps: The powers of elemental water Things placed in the infinite pool do not vanish
will respond to a mortal who leaves an appropriate forever. An elder water elemental may retrieve an
sacrifice at the wellspring. This response is almost item or creature from an infinite pool. Similarly, an
always in the form of an elemental servant (CR Immortal with the Command Waters gift can make
determined by the Games Master) who will an Infuse check (DC 25) to similar effect.
assist the penitent by performing one Retrieving an item requires one
action within its power. Elemental hour for every full year since
water requires a sacrifice of the self in its first immersion.
order to grant this boon; the character must
voluntarily give up one character level. This Characters with
sacrifice has the same effect as normal level psionic powers or
loss. The sacrificed level cannot be restored spells requiring no
through normal or magical means. Effect components may
Level: 4. use their abilities
while trapped
Wave-stroked in the pool. In
Lands: The order for these
wellspring abilities/spells
radiates an to have an
aura of water effect they
that soaks the must be able
land. Moulds to pierce planar
and fungus boundaries; the
find the area of infinite pool is, in
effect extremely effect, an extension
comfortable, while of the elemental
anything not adapted plane of water.
to extremely wet Effect Level: 5.
conditions can quickly
become waterlogged. Living Knights of the
creatures in the area of effect must Deep: The wellspring acts as an
make a Fortitude save each day (DC 10 + the interface between elemental water and
wellspring’s maximum number of victories) or begin the wider world. At this interface, the pure
to suffer from a fungal infection (orange rot, contact, element comes in contact with fragments of positive
DC 10 + wellspring’s maximum number of victories, energy. This, in turn, results in the occasional
incubation: one day, damage 1d4 Cha). Unattended spontaneous creation of various and sundry water
items made of leather, metal or wood lose one point of elementals. The first level of this effect allows the
hardness per day. Food rots within one day. Attended wellspring to contain 30 CR of water elementals,
items may make a Fortitude saving throw with the with a maximum possible CR of 10. Each additional
same DC as that of living creatures. A character effect level invested increases the total available CR
holding multiple items only needs to make one saving by +10 and the maximum CR by +3. Effect Level:
throw for all of his equipment each morning. Effect 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 10 additional CR and
Level: 2 per one mile radius. +3 Max CR.

Infinite Pool: Elemental water manifests its Example Wellsprings

physicality in a wellspring as a broad, inky-surfaced, The Games Master may place any of the following
infinitely deep pool of ice-cold water. Any creature or wellsprings of water in his campaign world.
object fully submerged within the pool for one round Alternately, he may use them as templates for
begins to sink at the rate of 200 feet a round. Living wellsprings of his own design.

57
WELLSPRINGS
Beach of the Shells
Maximum Victories: 6, Limited
Primal Power: Water
Effects: Knights of the Deeps (60 CR, Max CR 19),
Wave-soaked Lands (1 mile)
Long ago the triton Panayotis Pontikos raised up his
shell horn and called for the sea’s assistance. While
waiting for aid to come he fought alone against an
onslaught of demons from the infernal abysses. When
his people finally arrived they found no sign of their
great leader or whatever caused him to call. They also
found a deep, powerful wellspring of elemental water,
created in this spot by some act of heroic sacrifice.
Centuries later the beach of the shells is a favourite
spot for young tritons searching for the perfect shell
with which to make their first horn. The wellspring
has grown to cover the entire rocky beach. Water
elementals of various sorts, including at least one
great elder elemental (CR 19) guard the beach from
any who would exploit its power. Mortals avoid the
lands around the beach, regarding them as accursed.
Effects: Aura of Waves (Energy Resistance (cold/fire)
5, Fort save DC 14), Bastion of the Deeps, Infinite
Pool
Under the green and rolling hills of a fair land, within
a cave of white stone, sits a pool of inky water so
black, light itself cannot reflect from it and so deep no
one has ever found the bottom. Locals occasionally
go to this cave as a test of courage, even though each
generation a handful of young men do not return from
their journey.
This foundation stone wellspring first served as the
gods’ prison. There are things trapped in the well,
things that whisper to anyone who sets foot in that
cursed place. They tell stories of a world in which
they walked among the gods. They sing of how they
will, if the listener will but call out their name and
ask for their release, make their saviour like a god
himself. None have yet taken them up on their offer
but it can only be a matter of time before someone
takes that desperate gamble.

Cave of Souls and Thunder

Maximum Victories: 1, Unlimited
Primal Power: Water
Effects: Knights of the Deeps (50 CR, Max
CR 16)

Deep underwater, where the giant kraken

hold sway over realms of diabolic fish-like
men, there exists a cave where, sages claim,
the ocean waters first flowed freely into the
world. When the gods banked the initial flow
they left the cave itself intact against later
need. Over time, as the waters leaked out,
bits of elemental water came into contact with
sparks of positive energy and animated.

This foundation stone wellspring looks like a

massive, deep cave located on a dark ocean shelf.
The water elementals near it will prevent mortals
and Immortals alike from approaching if they can.

The kraken and tritons regard this wellspring as a

sacred site. Both races believe the cave to be the
‘birthplace’ of their people. They may, in fact, be
right.

Well of Quiet Voices

Maximum Victories: 4, Unlimited
Primal Power: Water

58

Wind (Air)
Mortals endure the power of the wind without
understanding its purpose. They feel it on their face,
watch it fan out-of-control fires and bring the cooling
rains. It fills the sails of ships and carries life from
one world to another. When it falls out of balance
with the rest of the world it comes in great gales,
scouring the world with its sharp fingers.
In its pure form wind is simply gas in motion. It has
little substance but great strength. It can lift a man
from the ground, flatten a field, or even tear down a
mountain given enough time.
When combined with other substances, wind lends
them lightness and motion. It lifts objects up from the
clinging earth and drives them across the vast waters.
It can take fire and loft it high enough to become the
sun or stars. When mixed with a soul, it grants not just
animation but grace and motion. Wind is everywhere
and nowhere at once, forever in motion.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Only negative energy suffers more
mortal mistrust and disdain than wind. Mortals do not
understand why the wind comes crashing down upon
them, carrying with it everything from the healing
rains to sandstorms capable of swallowing kingdoms.
They do not see its role in the creation of motion, or
its place in bringing the elements together so they can
return to balance.
When elemental wind touches positive energy it
can form itself into consciousness referred to as
air elementals. These spirits range far through the
various planes of existence. In doing so they come
into contact with and become contaminated by,
various other powers. This contamination gives
rise to creatures like the djinni, beings of air who
nevertheless have a touch of the solidity of earth and
the mystery of magic about them.
Wind
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 Voice of the Wind
2 3
3 5 Driven before the Storm
4 7
5 9 Dust in the Wind
59
WELLSPRINGS
Immortals who tap into elemental wind begin to
understand its place in the universe. They see the
constant interactions between the elements and how
they fall out of balance. They can sense the wind’s
flow as it lifts excesses away and carries them to
places of deficit. In turn, this awareness allows them
to join in the balancing processes, subtly altering the
world so that the wind responds to their need.
Wind’s wellsprings are blown by constant gales.
These wellsprings act as starting and drop off points
for the winds that reach between the stars; many
contain creatures from other planes or from exotic
locales simply waiting for the next wind to take them
away.
Blessings and Banes
Primal wind gives the following blessings and banes.
Voice of the Wind (Ex): An Immortal suffers from
this bane when he achieves his first victory associated
with elemental wind. Whenever he speaks he must
roll a die: on an odd result his voice only reaches
those within five feet, on an even result everyone
within line of sight can clearly hear him. The
character makes this skill check each time he initiates
a new conversation.
Wind’s Messenger (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with elemental wind he
must choose between this blessing and Path to the
Wind. If he selects this blessing he may whisper a
message of thirty words or less to the wind. The wind
will deliver this message to any named creature on the
same plane within 3d4 rounds.
Path to the Wind (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with elemental wind
he must choose between this blessing and Wind’s
Messenger. If he selects this blessing he gains the
ability to channel elemental wind through his body.
He may conjure wind in any adjacent five foot square
as a standard action. Each round he maintains
concentration he may conjure wind in a five foot
Blessing
Wind’s Messenger or Path to the Wind
Heart of the Hurricane
Wind’s Lifting Hand
WELLSPRINGS
square adjacent to the first one. This wind causes
all Medium or smaller creatures who enter it to make
a contested attribute check (their Strength against
the Immortal’s Charisma). If the creature fails it
is checked for that round. It can continue moving
the subsequent round. The wind vanishes when the
Immortal stops concentrating. It does not possess
sufficient strength to stop small, fast-moving objects
like arrows or sling stones.
Driven before the Storm (Ex): An Immortal suffers
from this bane when he achieves his fifth victory
associated with elemental wind. At dawn each day
the Immortal rolls 1d8 to determine the direction he
must travel this day. A result of one indicates true
north, two north-east, three east and so on. If the
Immortal chooses to travel in another direction he
suffers a –6 racial penalty to all of his Channel and
Infuse checks that day.
Heart of the Hurricane (Ex): An Immortal gains this
blessing when achieves his fifth victory associated
with elemental wind. He gains Energy Resistance
(electrical) 20 and a +4 bonus to saving throws
against spells and effects caused by creatures from
the Plane of Air.
Dust in the Wind (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his ninth victory associated with elemental air he
begins to suffer this bane’s effects. When he uses
a gift associated with elemental air he must make a
Concentration check (DC 25). If he fails this check his
body vanishes as the wind blows it apart. He reforms
in 1d4 rounds. During this time his opponents cannot
target him nor can he take actions.
Wind’s Lifting Hand (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with elemental
air he gains access to wind’s ultimate blessing. He
gains the ability to fly at a rate of 120 feet per round
with perfect manoeuvrability. The Immortal may
sustain this flight for an indefinite duration. While
flying at least 200 feet from any object attached to the
earth the Immortal does not feel fatigue or suffer from
the effects of thirst or starvation.
Gift Side Effects
Elemental wind grants a bonus equal to the total
number of victories associated with it to any skill
checks required by numen gifts that summons fire
elementals. It inflicts a –5 foot per victory penalty to
attribute or power gifts granting the ability to move on
or below the ground.
60
Effect on Challenges
Elemental wind demands great deeds from its
Immortals. Each great channel associated with the
wind involves at least five sub-challenges and may
have up to seven.
Wellspring Effects
The wellsprings of wind may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Winds: Everyone within the wellspring’s
aura suffers from constant exposure to elemental
wind. Incorporeal creatures must make a Will save
(DC 10 +2 per level of the aura’s effect) or be blown
90 feet in a random direction each round. Corporeal
creatures suffer a –1 penalty per effect level to ranged
attacks. Both sorts of creatures gain a +5 foot bonus
per effect level to their flying movement speed. Effect
Level: 1 per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Storms: The powers of elemental wind
gathered in the wellspring will answer a request from
a mortal once in his lifetime in return for a service.
The mortal may request either to be teleported to
one place of his choice or to learn the answer to one
question. For the next year he must travel where the
wind blows, as though he suffered from the Path of
the Wind bane. Effect Level: 4.
Cave of Voices: The power of elemental wind takes
almost physical form in a cave of winds. Any mortal
or Immortal creature may enter the cave and speak
the name of another wellspring of elemental wind
somewhere in the multiverse. The wind will carry
the speaker to his destination within 1d4 rounds.
Within the cave the wind constantly coils and mutters
to itself, muttering nonsense in a thousand voices.
Effect Level: 4.
Knights of the Storm: The wellsprings of elemental
wind act as gateways through which air elementals
and djinni enter the mortal realms. These creatures
typically remain close to the wellspring, acting as
protectors and guardians of whatever secrets it holds.
The first level of this effect allows for up to 30 CR of
air elementals and djinni, with a maximum CR of 10.
Each additional effect level invested adds +10 CR and
+3 to the maximum CR. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max
CR 10) + 1 per 10 additional CR and +3 Max CR.
Wind’s Touch: Elemental wind sweeps out from
the wellspring, scouring the countryside clean of
anything incapable of withstanding the constant
gales. Characters and creatures within the area of

effect suffer the effects of severe winds at all times.
Plants in the area take on a particular, wind-sculpted
look much admired by some cultures. Effect Level: 1
per one mile radius.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of wind in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Tree of Woe
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Wind
Effects: Cave of Voices
The tree of woe grew from an acorn that fell into
an older, foundation stone wellspring. Over the
centuries the oak reached up hundreds of feet,
eventually enfolding the cave and most of the cliff it
burrowed into with its great roots. The tree’s unique,
wind sculpted appearance and gigantic size makes it a
recognisable landmark for travellers and sailors.
The tree’s roots long ago obscured the original
cave mouth. Gaining entry to the cave requires
considerable contortion between and around roots
as thick around as a man’s chest. These roots do not
actively prevent a person from entering the cave, but
they do form a relatively difficult to navigate (Escape
Artist check DC 20) maze.
There is no light within the cave but the voices still
mutter to themselves just as they did during the
world’s first dawn. The voices recognise words
spoken to them and will carry the speaker to any other
wellspring of elemental wind he names.
Thunder Reach
Maximum Victories: 2, Limited
Primal Power: Wind
Effect: Wind’s Touch (2 miles)
The winds that give this tall, barren cliff its name race
down to sweep the land and seas in every direction.
Mortal men no longer remember what terrible event
brought this curse down on the land, but they know
to avoid the two miles around Thunder’s Reach like
a plague.
Those who seek the wind’s source find a quiet spot in
the middle of the storm. A handful of white stones
circling a single, lightning blasted darker stone sit on
top of the cliff. Those who sleep among the stones
61
WELLSPRINGS
claim they dream strange dreams of worlds that might
have been and lives they could have led if they made
different choices.
Wind’s Conclave
Maximum Victories: 7, Limited
Primal Power: Wind
Effects: Bastion of Storms, Knights of the Wind (50
CR, Max CR 16)
On the white-cloaked shoulders of the world’s highest
mountain the powers of elemental wind gather
together for discourse and revelry. The gods set aside
this place for their amusement when the world was
made, so they guard it jealously from any mortal who
would dare intrude. Any mortal that dares to walk
on these sacred slopes will face a challenge issued by
Abdel bin Ajmad a 21 HD noble djinni.
Once per month djinni and elder air elementals gather
on the summit to discuss events in their airy realms.
These creatures know many secrets but are unlikely to
reveal them to interlopers.
Mythic Powers
As the gods wove the world out of earth, fire, water
and wind they gave it life by combining positive and
negative energy. In doing so, they indelibly stamped
their own moral convictions and beliefs into the
universe’s fabric. Finally these influences coalesced
into the four great mythic powers: chaos, evil, good
and law.
Mortals like to think of these four powers as
abstractions, idealised ways in which they can pursue
their affairs in the world. Since they have free will,
this belief rarely comes under direct challenge. They
can always choose to help others or cause harm,
always decide between obeying the past or to turning
aside to embrace a sudden change. Indeed, this ability
to choose their action could be called the defining trait
of mortal existence.
Immortals and Alignment
Immortals may not tap a mythic power
conflicting with one of their alignment elements.
That is to say a lawful immortal cannot tap
mythic chaos, nor can an evil Immortal tap
mythic good. Neutral characters may tap into
one or even both powers on their neutral side,
although dual tapping creates potentially lethal
conflicts of interest.
WELLSPRINGS
In reality, the four mythic powers possess the same
reality as any elemental force. Good exists not just
as a state of mind but also as a physical and energetic
thing with its own agenda and volition. Order truly
does struggle every day with chaos, with devastating
results for the innocent mortals below.
The creatures of the ‘outer planes’ live in direct
contact with these forces. Most are actually creations
of these forces; bits of primal power given volition
through their exposure to positive energy. They use
their knowledge of the gods’ arts to create bodies
when they touch the mortal world, but never wholly
enter them. Unlike mortals, these creatures have little
in the way of free will. The substance that created
them determines every choice they make.
Chaos
(Change, The Insane Lands)
When the gods built the realms of existence some of
them argued against making a perfect creation. These
gods insisted the only way to achieve truth was to
allow their creation to constantly evolve. The steady
changes within the realms would create something
far ‘truer’ than the imagining of divine minds. These
changes and the struggles they caused would make
the world real and true to itself. Of course, this would
also drag the world away from its original, intended
design.
This intention for the world to change, permeated
everything these gods touched. As the world finally
came together it took on life and form of its own.
Creatures touched by it changed, either through the
use of elemental fire or through the interactions of
the mysterious forces called protection and triumph.
From these changes rose the power of chaos, the
power of change manifest.
This mythic force stands beyond any god or mortal’s
control. It demands change for the sake of change.
It commands both destruction and creation without
limit or compassion. The creatures it touches seem
insane to more ordered minds. One moment they
Chaos
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 By Chaos Touched
2 3
3 5 Chaotic Heart or Chaotic Voice
4 7
5 9 Chaos’ Kin
62
might help in the birth of a nation; the next they might
throw their strength behind those trying to destroy the
newly founded state.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: Each mortal experiences the urge
towards chaos differently. In some it manifests as a
compulsive drive to create. Others feel it as an urge to
change things in their lives just for the sake of change.
Some mortals claim chaos touches those who suffer
from visions and voices; though in truth those so
afflicted are as likely to be rigidly ordered as they are
wildly variable.
When mythic chaos comes into contact with positive
energy it achieves temporary, unstable form. True
chaos cannot hold together for long. However, when
chaos mixes with either mythic good or mythic evil it
can achieve a stable form. These creatures then move
on to join with others of their kind. The chaos bound
into them prevents the creation of a stable society,
so these spirits spend most of their time squabbling
among themselves. They unite only when chance
aligns their interests or when order threatens to
overwhelm the cosmos with its rigid frigidity.
Immortals associated with mythic chaos are an
unpredictable lot. Unlike chaos spirits they have
experiences beyond the primal change to help anchor
themselves in the universe. However, they drink deep
of chaos’ power and with it its imperatives. They may
resist the urge to change if they exert their will. Each
time an Immortal resists chaos’ call he places himself
in greater and greater stress. Eventually that stress will
manifest itself, driving him to an orgy of uncontrolled
change torn from his darkest nightmares.
Wellsprings of mythic chaos are carnivals of light,
colour and sound. Objects may randomly change
their shape, while creatures begin to suffer from
strange mutations. Nothing near the wellspring
remains static and the air buzzes with the feeling that
something might happen at any moment.
Blessing
Sense of Law or Speak with Many Voices
Broken Chains
Lord of Chaos
 WELLSPRINGS

Blessings and Banes
The power of chaos gives the following blessings and
banes.
By Chaos Touched (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with mythic chaos
he develops one of the following signs of allegiance:
constantly changing eyes, hair of variable colour and
length, hair whipped by unseen winds, tattoos that
shift shape and colour under his skin, a visible multi-
coloured aura, an afterimage that lingers just behind
the character as he moves or a shadow that moves
independently of the character’s actions. Each time
the Immortal gains a level in his tap into mythic chaos
he gains another feature from this list. The Immortal
also registers as an outsider with HD equal to his
character level plus his total number of victories for
the purposes of a detect chaos spell.
Sense of Law (Su): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with
mythic chaos he must select either this
blessing or Speak with Many Voices.
If he selects this blessing the Immortal
gains the ability to detect law (as the
spell) at will.
he can only retain focus on a specific course of action
for more than an hour by making a Concentration
check (DC 20 + 1 per victory associated with mythic
chaos). The Immortal must make this skill check at
the beginning of each hour after the first. If he fails
he must immediately take a different course of action.
This action may serve the character’s original goal.
Chaotic Voice (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with mythic chaos he must
choose to suffer from this bane or Chaotic Heart.
If he accepts this bane the words he speaks and the
words others hear may not be the same. Each time he
wishes to interact with someone or something he must
make a Concentration check (DC 20 + 1 per victory
associated with mythic chaos). If he succeeds he may
use his Charisma-based skills normally. If he fails,
the target hears his words as gibberish regardless
of what he attempts. This bane affects all forms of
communication including magical spells, written

Speak with Many Voices (Ex):

When an Immortal achieves his first
victory associated with mythic chaos
he must select either this blessing
or Sense of Law. If he accepts this
blessing the Immortal’s voice changes
as he speaks. These changes send
his voice through the range of mortal
voices, male and female, young and
old, until it settles into something the
listener responds to. For Charisma-
based skill checks (other than
Intimidate) requiring a single round
of interaction this effect gives the
Immortal a racial penalty equal
to –1 per victory associated with
mythic chaos. However, it grants
a corresponding racial bonus to any
Charisma-based skill check requiring
more than one round of interaction
(e.g. most Diplomacy checks).

Chaotic Heart (Ex): When an

Immortal achieves his fifth victory
associated with mythic chaos he must
choose to suffer from this bane or
Chaotic Voice. If he accepts this bane

63
WELLSPRINGS
communications and telepathy. This prevents the
character from using communication-based skills like
Diplomacy but not skills that might have non-verbal
expressions like Intimidate. Once the character fails
this skill check he may not attempt it again with the
same target for one hour. If the Immortal wishes to
communicate with a group of people he only needs to
make the skill check once for the entire group.
Broken Chains (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with mythic chaos he gains
this blessing. He may spend one point of his Aura to
dispel any existing magical effect as if he cast a dispel
magic spell. The Immortal cannot use this blessing
as a counterspell. The Immortal casts this spell with
a caster level equal to his total character level plus his
apotheosis step. Using this ability takes a standard
action.
Chaos’ Kin (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic chaos he begins to
suffer from its final bane. The Immortal must make a
Concentration check (DC 30 + 1 per victory associated
with mythic chaos) in order to communicate with any
being not of chaotic alignment. This bane affects all
forms of communication including but not limited to
writing, telepathy, speech and hand waving.
Lord of Chaos (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic chaos he gains
its final blessing. He may command any outsider of
chaotic alignment by making a contested check with
that creature. The Immortal rolls 1d20 and adds his
character level and total number of victories. The
outsider rolls 1d20 and adds its Challenge Rating.
If the Immortal’s check result exceeds the outsider’s
the outsider must obey any one order given by the
Immortal. This command is absolute: the Immortal
may command the being to perform any action and it
must obey even if obedience would lead to its death.
Gift Side Effects
Mythic chaos grants additional strength to any
artefact with powers derived from the illusion or
transformation schools of magic. If the Immortal
invests at least one point of his Aura into the artefact
he gains a +1 bonus to the effective amount of Aura
he invested. For example, if the Immortal invests four
points of Aura into an artefact wielding illusion spells
the artefact acts as if the Immortal invested five points
of Aura rather than four.
64
Effect on Challenges
Mythic chaos demands constant change from its
champions. All of the challenges for a stage of
apotheosis involving a challenge for mythic chaos
must be different, or the challenge for mythic chaos
will automatically fail regardless of the character’s
actions. For example, an Illuminated Immortal who
wishes to increase his power in mythic chaos through
a challenge of creation must not have undertaken a
challenge of creation at this apotheosis step.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of chaos may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Freedom: The wellspring’s aura strengthens
those aligned with chaos while weakening creatures
associated with law. Chaotic characters within
the wellspring gain a bonus to skill checks and
saving throws equal to +1 per effect level. Lawful
characters suffer an equal penalty to attack rolls and
saving throws. Mortals feel this aura as a charge
of possibility, as if anything could happen at any
moment. Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Many Worlds: The powers of chaos listen
closely to words spoken at the wellspring. Once per
lifetime a mortal may enter the wellspring and swear
his allegiance to chaos. This act instantly changes
the character’s alignment to chaotic. The mortal may
then request one boon. This boon is roughly equal
in effect to a wish spell cast by a 20th level caster. If
the mortal ever forswears his alliance to chaos he
immediately loses d4 character levels and the effects
of the wish vanish. Effect Level: 4.
Freedom’s Touch: The wellspring’s aura causes
the local environment to suffer from the effects of
random cantrips equal in effect to the prestidigitation
spell. Items become soiled, cleaned, moved or
colour-changed at random intervals. The Games
Master is encouraged to torment the players with
this effect, making every action a minor nuisance and
dying particularly beloved possessions paisley. All
effects vanish as soon as the object leaves the area of
effect. Effect Level: 1 per one mile radius.
Pool of Colours: Within the wellspring mythic chaos
physically manifests as a glowing pool of multi-
coloured liquid. A character drinking from the pool
suffers from the effect of one random spell of 1st to
3rd level (determined as if it were a treasure scroll)
cast by a 20th level caster. Liquid taken from the pool
loses its effect as soon as it leaves the wellspring. A

creature dwelling in the wellspring may carry the
liquid with him and use it as a potion, but it is not
possible to know what effect this potion will have
without imbibing it. Effect Level: 4.
Guardians of Choice: Fey spirits have answered the
wellspring’s call, migrating from their original homes
to take up residence in its protected grottos. The first
level of this effect causes the wellspring to call up to
30 CR of chaotic fey. No individual fey will have a
CR greater than 10. Each additional effect level adds
+15 CR to the total number of fey called and +2 to the
maximum CR. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) +
1 per 15 additional CR and +2 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of chaos in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Hall of the Myriad Selves
Maximum Victories: 4, Unlimited
Primal Power: Chaos
Effects: Bastion of Many Worlds, Freedom’s Touch
(4 miles), Pool of Colours
When the Immortals known only as the ‘Five who
were the Future’ transcended into divinity they left
this wellspring as a final gift to the world of their
birth. Whether they intended the Hall as a joke, a
guidepost on the path to immortality or as a refuge is
not clear despite centuries of scholastic debate.
The hall’s great brass doors sit at the base of a large
grassy hill near a lazy, winding river. Any mortal or
Immortal may open the doors by simply pushing on
the smiling face in the centre. Beyond the doors, the
mirror-draped walls seem to wind deep down under
the hill. Occasional cross-corridors lead to large
chambers containing empty display pedestals made
of grey-veined white stone.
When a mortal or Immortal looks into one of the
infinite number of mirrors contained within the hall
he sees a reflection of what he might have been if he
made different choices. Many men go mad when
faced with such realisations; others find a measure of
enlightenment in the knowledge of what might have
been.
Grove among the Pines
Maximum Victories: 1, Limited
Primal Power: Chaos
Effects: Guardians of Choice (30 CR, Max CR 10)
65
WELLSPRINGS
In the great, quiet evergreen forests carpeting the
north there sits a grove that, at night, lights with the
light of a million unseen stars. The fey come to this
grove during the stillest parts of the night to hold
their revels. Bards sing long, raucous songs about
these revels; some claim to have even stood with
the ‘Queen of Faery’ when she strips off her gown to
dance naked in the fairy ring.
The reality is more poignant. Fey come to the grove
in order to mourn those who, among their immortal
kind, died in the last year. For each dead fey they
place a barren seed in the ground. They say that when
the seeds sprout, the dead fey will return to the world,
bringing with them wonders from beyond the unseen
stars.
The fey guard this grove and the power it represents
with all the might they can raise. They do not kill
intruders; instead they use curses and trickery to drive
them mad, then send the fools back to the mortal
realms to remind humans why they should not trifle
with things they do not understand.
Many-Hued Throne
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Chaos
Effects: Bastion of Many Worlds
On one of the four great mountains of the world, high
above mortal lands and concerns, there sits a throne
made of stone. A giant could sit in it comfortably,
were it not for the sharp stone spikes jutting out from
the throne’s arms and back. The stone changes colour
and texture from moment to moment, never staying
still.
This foundation stone wellspring came into being
when the gods made the world. It was the first
expression of mythic chaos and it will be the last to
fall when the universe finally comes to an end.
Evil
When the gods wove the world they argued, one with
the other, about the roles of life and intelligence.
Some felt that life should cling to itself, aiding only
itself in the long struggle. Others felt that each spark
of life was alone and therefore must take what it
needs without hesitation or remorse. These latter
gods filled a portion of the world with fear of others
and corrupting greed.
In time these two states of being (fear and greed)
became the seeds for mythic evil. From this poisoned
WELLSPRINGS
beginning came all of evil’s myriad fruits: demons,
devils, hags, nightmares, empires built on the backs of
slaves, petty jealousy spiralling into killing rage and
other joys of mortal life. Each mortal act of depravity
and indifference strengthens mythic evil’s grip on the
realms of existence. Perhaps one day that grip will
become absolute, driving out all hope.
Although the gods made evil it no longer answers
to their will. As they made it, so it is: independent,
greedy, fearful and forever alone. It lurks in dark
places, reaching out to consume anyone or anything
that it can grasp.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Mortals experience mythic evil as both
external and internal realities. Each day they come
into contact with a thousand petty little actions that
feed the fear and greed at evil’s roots. At the same
time, they also feel evil’s urgings within their own
spirits. Evil whispers in their hearts, urging them
to take the easy way, to fear those around them. It
promises them they will always be alone, unique and
unable to trust anyone other than themselves. It also
offers a way out: if they can take a little bit more,
break one more trust, they can escape for just a little
while.
When pure mythic evil comes into contact with
positive energy it takes on forms difficult for a mortal
mind to conceive. These evil spirits descend on the
world, seeking out every opportunity for their own
power. However, it is more common for mythic evil
to mix with either chaos or law before it becomes
animate. These creatures, called demons and devils
respectively, serve evil’s ends while also building up
their own powers.
Immortals who tap into mythic evil quickly become
some of the most depraved creatures in existence.
Unlike pure spirits, Immortals have a lifetime of
experience with the real world. This gives rise to a
host of little and great evils unimagined by creatures
Evil
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 Evil’s Manifestations
2 3
3 5 Heartfelt Fear or Twisted Spirit
4 7
5 9 Evil’s Taint
66
without such experience. For example, a demon might
think it amusing to torment a single person; only an
Immortal could have the scope of vision needed to
torture an entire nation. The more mythic evil an
Immortal draws on the more he draws into himself,
abandoning all ties for the comfort of solitary fear.
Wellsprings of evil corrupt everything they touch.
The natural world surrounding these places falls
further and further into decay with each passing year.
Animals attack one another without provocation,
plants bear poison fruits and mortals turn upon each
other in a thousand ways. Within the wellspring
evil manifests itself even more strongly, potentially
driving some mortals mad. However strong evil may
seem mortals retain their free will: nothing can force
them to take action on their whispered fears.
Blessings and Banes
The powers of evil give the following blessings and
banes.
Evil’s Manifestations (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with mythic evil
he begins to suffer this bane’s effects. When this bane
first takes effect he must select one physical change
from the following list: scaly skin (any colour), horns
growing from the brow, bleeding eyes, jet-black eyes,
short non-functional talons instead of fingernails,
snake or raptor eyes, a visible ‘aura’ of flickering
darkness or a replacement limb from a random
animal. Each time the Immortal gains another tap
level associated with mythic evil he must select
another feature. These features may be hidden with
illusions or Disguise checks (DC 15, one check per
feature). The character also registers as an outsider
with Hit Dice equal to his character level plus his total
number of victories for the purpose of the detect evil
spell.
Sense of Good (Su): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with mythic evil he must
choose between this blessing and The Strength of
One. If he selects this blessing he gains the ability to
detect good (as the spell) at will.
Blessing
Sense of Good or The Strength of One
Driven Selfishness
Lord of Evil

The Strength of One (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with mythic evil
he must choose between this blessing and Sense of
Good. If he selects this blessing he may spend his
Aura to support skill checks, but only if these skill
checks come from selfish actions. The Immortal
may spend one point of his Aura to give himself a +1
racial bonus to any skill check. He may spend any
number of Aura points up to his total Aura attribute
and may do so after the skill check but before
resolution. However, the Immortal may not use this
ability to influence skill checks that would, in the
Games Master’s opinion, benefit anyone except the
Immortal. This includes assisting a friend in combat
or negotiating a better business deal for a friend. The
power of evil exists only to help itself; it cannot abide
charity or other good intentions.
Heartfelt Fear (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic evil he must
choose to suffer from either this bane or Twisted
Spirit. If he selects this bane he automatically
fails any saving throw or skill check to resist a fear
effect. Furthermore the Immortal becomes extremely
fearful, almost paranoid. He does not trust others and
will slowly begin to turn on his friends.
Twisted Spirit (Ex) When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic evil he must
choose to suffer from either this bane or Heartfelt
Fear. An Immortal suffering from this bane cannot
let go of something for fair value. He must gain a
profit from every transaction. This profit may come
in the form of personal or financial gain. This bane
holds true even when the Immortal interacts with his
so-called friends; he must always come out ahead
in every transaction with them or evil’s power will
desert him.
Driven Selfishness (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic evil he gains
this blessing. So long as the character acts from his
own self-interest he gains a racial bonus to his Bluff
and Diplomacy checks equal to his total number
of victories associated with mythic evil. He does
not gain this bonus when seeking profit for another
character or when negotiating in good faith.
Evil’s Taint (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic evil he begins
to suffer from its final bane. The character’s evil aura
taints everything around him. He leaves a unique trail
of evil evident to anyone capable of using detect evil.
This trail lasts for one week per apotheosis step the
67
WELLSPRINGS
character holds. Any character, even one who has
not encountered the Immortal before, may recognise
the aura by making a Knowledge (planes) check (DC
20).
Lord of Evil (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic evil he gains
its final blessing. He may command any outsider
of evil alignment by making a contested check with
that creature. The Immortal rolls 1d20 and adds his
character level and total number of victories. The
outsider rolls a d20 and adds its Challenge Rating.
If the Immortal’s check result exceeds the outsider’s
the outsider must obey any one order given by the
Immortal. This command is absolute: the Immortal
may command the being to perform any action and it
must obey even if obedience would lead to its death.
Gift Side Effects
Mythic evil strengthens the Aura investment in any
artefact able to inflict harm. If the artefact deals
damage in some fashion and the Immortal invests
at least one point of his Aura into the artefact he
gains a +1 bonus to the effective amount of Aura.
For example, if the Immortal invests four points of
Aura into a weapon artefact the artefact acts as if
the Immortal invested five points of Aura rather than
four.
Effect on Challenges
When an Immortal wields a tap into mythic evil he
must always undertake a challenge of conversion
(good to evil) at each apotheosis step.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of evil may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Shadow: The wellspring’s aura strengthens
those aligned with evil while weakening creatures
associated with good. Evil characters within the
wellspring gain a bonus to skill checks and saving
throws equal to +1 per effect level. Good characters
suffer an equal penalty to attack rolls and saving
throws. Mortals feel this aura as a heavy weight of
fear and hate. Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/
penalty.
Bastion of Horrors: The powers of evil lurk in the
wellspring waiting for mortals to call upon them.
Once per lifetime a mortal may enter the wellspring
and swear his allegiance to evil. He must also prove
this allegiance by performing a heinous act, usually
the ritual murder of a close friend or family member.
WELLSPRINGS

This act instantly changes the character’s alignment wellsprings of evil in his campaign world. Alternately,
to evil. The mortal may then request one boon. This he may use them as templates for wellsprings of his
boon is roughly equal in effect to a wish spell cast by own design.
a 20th level caster. If the mortal ever forswears his
alliance to evil he immediately loses 1d4 character Bone Throne
levels and the effects of the wish vanish. Effect Level: Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
3. Primal Power: Evil
Effects: Bastion of Horrors
Corrupted Stone: The wellspring’s evil taints the
land around it. Animals within the area of effect are At the top of one of the world’s four great mountains
automatically evil and gain +1 to attack and damage there sits a throne made of weather-darkened bone. A
rolls. These creatures will act with malice towards giant could sit in it comfortably, though an observer
anyone who enters the wellspring’s area of effect. might not see him among all of the bone spires
They may not directly attack superior foes but they reaching up from the throne to claw the sky. A
will engage in petty harassment, property destruction mortal who sits on the throne can speak directly to
and the soiling of food with their own wastes. Effect mythic evil. If he gives an appropriate offering, evil
Level: 1 per one-mile radius. will respond by granting whatever wish he makes,
although the consequences of the wish will inevitably
Sickly Flame: Evil’s power achieves physical destroy the wisher over time.
manifestation within the wellspring in the form of
a sickly green flame. This cold flame cannot light
fires but does burn any good or neutral character that
touches it. It deals 2d6 evil damage to any non-evil
creature coming in contact with it. A weapon held in
the flame for more than three rounds begins to burn
with the same power. It inflicts
2d6 evil damage to any non-evil
creature that touches it or that
it strikes in combat. This flame
consumes the weapon 24 hours
after it ignites. Effect Level: 4.

Hands of Darkness: The forces

of evil feel an irresistible call to
defend the wellspring at all costs.
The first level of this effect attracts
a mixed group of evil outsiders
with a maximum total CR of 30
and a maximum individual CR
of 10 to gather in the wellspring.
Each additional effect level
increases the maximum total
by +15 and the individual
maximum by +3. Effect
Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR
10) + 1 per 15 additional
CR and +3 Max CR.

Example
Wellsprings
The Games Master may
place any of the following

68

This foundation stone wellspring came into being
at the moment mythic evil awoke to its own power.
It will exist until that day of which all prophets
speak but none truly believe, when evil finally goes
screaming into oblivion.
The Darkness Under the Mountain
Maximum Victories: 3, Unlimited
Primal Power: Evil
Effects: Hands of Darkness (45 CR, Max CR 13),
Sickly Flame
In the heart of the mountain holding the Bone Throne
there is a chamber in which burns a green flame that
gives neither light nor heat. The darkness within has
never known the touch of light, nor will it as long as
evil dwells in the world. In this heart of darkness
there dwell creatures of such abhorrence that even the
infernals have cast them out.
Any creature entering the darkness under the mountain
must face its guardians and the weight of its ancient
evil. Entering this foundation stone wellspring is
easy; however, the creatures within will alert all of
the Immortals bound to it as soon as intruders set foot
on the path down to the mountain’s dark heart. If the
guardians fail to stop the intrusion the Immortals will
gather. Those winning past the first line of defence
will face a legion of Immortals mantled in their full
glory.
The Hanging Tree
Maximum Victories: 1, Limited
Primal Power: Evil
Effects: Corrupted Stone (1 mile)
One hundred years ago the village of Torluin suffered
from a plague of witches. By the time the villagers
finished with their hanging nearly forty people had
died. The great hanging tree had bent down under
the weight, its branches festooned with corpses. The
villagers retired to their warm homes, content in their
own righteousness.
That winter the great hanging tree fed on the blood of
the murdered innocents. In the spring it sent forth red-
tainted leaves and gripped the soil with new, gnarled
roots. The animals who lived in its shade became
devils in fur. The birds struck in flocks, eating the
grain seed out of the ground. Foxes stopped avoiding
local livestock and rabbits burrowed into cellars to
consume provisions. By the end of the spring nothing
remained of the village or its inhabitants.
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WELLSPRINGS
This created wellspring of evil still lurks in the
forgotten forest. Its malice still taints the land and
the creatures still hate those who brought evil into
their lives.
Good
As the gods wove the world they debated, one with
the other, the approach life should take. Some held
that all life needed to care only for itself. This would
allow it to take what it needed, regardless of the
consequences. Others felt life was stronger when
it clung together. These gods argued that for life to
succeed it needed to offer of itself freely giving what
was needed and accepting gifts in return.
This intention sowed the seeds for what would grow
into mythic good. This force touches each mortal life
from time to time, bringing with it a surge of hope
and the opportunity to serve. As with mythic evil,
very little of the world’s good comes from mythic
strictures. In fact, most of the truly awe-inspiring
good in the world comes about when mortals choose
good actions, choose to reach out to one another with
hope and confidence, rather than pulling back into
themselves for their own gain.
With its growth into a separate power good no longer
answers to the gods. It was one of the unintended
consequences of creation, an unfettered force capable
of infusing the actions of mortal and Immortal alike
with significance far beyond the moment.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: Mortals touch upon mythic good when
they set aside their own needs to help one another.
These opportunities come constantly in the structure
of mortal life: parents help children, friends aid one
another and strangers clothe those in need. These
little actions help to strengthen mythic good, while
still maintaining mortals’ fundamental right to choose
their own actions.
When mythic good comes into contact with positive
energy the resulting spirit enters the world with no
real understanding of mortal life. This makes it
ineffective at fostering good since it cannot relate to
the choices mortals must make every day. However,
it can still act as a shield by standing between mortals
and harm. Those spirits that mix law and chaos with
mythic good have a stronger understanding of how
the world works. This understanding allows them to
more effectively foster mythic good’s goals
WELLSPRINGS
Immortals who tap into mythic good gain insight
into the power gained through the multiplication of
effort. One mortal working alone can accomplish
much; three working in synergy can accomplish
nearly ten times as much as the one alone could.
They can help this synergy along with the power they
hold, magnifying the efforts of others to unbelievable
proportions.
Wellsprings of mythic good radiate an aura of peace
and prosperity. Even mortals with hearts long
hardened by evil find themselves thinking about the
welfare of their fellow men. They may not act on it,
but the peace of the place gives such men a moment
of rest to consider their lives’ decisions. Most such
mortals, faced with deep self-reflection, turn their
back on whatever insight they gain. A few take the
opportunity to change their ways, starting on the long
road to redemption.
Blessings and Banes
The power of good gives the following blessings and
banes.
Good’s Signs (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with mythic good he
immediately suffers this bane’s effects. When the
bane first takes effect he must select one physical
change from the following list: solid-golden eyes (no
pupils or iris), a visible silver/gold aura, pale white
skin, character smells strongly of flowers or spice or
character’s hair turns metallic (copper/silver/gold).
The character cannot hide these signs using illusions
or the Disguise skill. He also registers as a good
outsider with HD equal to his character level plus
his total number of victories for the purpose of detect
good.
Sense of Evil (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
first victory associated with mythic good he must
choose between this blessing and The Strength of
Many. If he selects this blessing he gains the ability
to detect evil (as the spell) at will.
Good
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 Good’s Signs
2 3
3 5 Quality of Mercy or Tender Heart
4 7
5 9 Soul’s Sacrifice
70
The Strength of Many (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his first victory associated with mythic good
he must choose between this blessing and Sense of
Evil. If he selects this blessing all good- or neutral-
aligned characters within a 60-foot radius around the
character add 2 + the Immortal’s apotheosis step to
another character’s skill check, Armour Class or
attack roll when taking an aid another action. This
bonus replaces the standard +2 bonus granted by aid
another.
Quality of Mercy (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic good he must
choose between this bane and Tender Heart. If he
selects this bane he must extend his aid to any good
or neutral creature in need. This aid does not have to
take the form of direct action; the Immortal may act
to help ease the circumstances around the creature’s
need rather than addressing the need directly. For
example, if a hungry creature confronts the Immortal
and seeks assistance the Immortal could feed the
creature, address the creature’s inability to find food
on its own or even work on the local environment to
increase its food production so that the creature will
not suffer hunger in the future.
Tender Heart (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
fifth victory associated with mythic good he must
choose between this bane and Quality of Mercy. If
he selects this bane then he must always assist a
character of good or neutral alignment that appeals
directly to him for aid. This assistance may come in
the form of advice, an aid another action or any other
form that will directly address the petitioner’s request.
The Immortal is not required to render aid that would
completely resolve the petitioner’s problem; indeed,
doing so greatly weakens the petitioner by making
him dependent upon supernatural aid.
Selfless Sacrifice (Ex): An Immortal gains this
blessing when he achieves his fifth victory associated
with mythic good. The Immortal may choose to
sacrifice his action and spend one Aura. If he does
so every good-aligned creature within 120 feet gains
a morale bonus to any one skill check or attack roll
Blessing
Sense of Evil or The Strength of Many
Selfless Sacrifice
Lord of Good

taken in the next round equal to the Immortal’s
apotheosis step. When invoked this ability causes
an aura of peace and the scent of celestial flowers
to fill the immediate area. This effect lasts until the
Immortal’s next action.
Soul’s Sacrifice (Ex): An Immortal suffers from this
bane when he achieves his ninth victory associated
with mythic good. When he invokes one of his
blessings associated with mythic good he opens a
channel between himself and all creatures within the
area of effect. Each time one of them suffers damage
he suffers an equal amount of nonlethal damage. The
Immortal’s Damage Resistance reduces this damage.
Lord of Good (Ex): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic good he gains
its final blessing. He may command any outsider of
good alignment by making a contested check with
that creature. The Immortal rolls 1d20 and adds his
character level and total number of victories. The
outsider rolls 1d20 and adds its Challenge Rating.
If the Immortal’s check result exceeds the outsiders
the outsider must obey any one order given by the
Immortal. This command is absolute: the Immortal
may command the being to perform any action and it
must obey even if obedience would lead to its death.
Gift Side Effects
Mythic good strengthens artefacts wielding effects
from the abjuration and conjuration schools. If the
Immortal invests at least one point of his Aura into
the artefact he gains a +1 bonus to the total amount
of Aura he invested. For example, if the Immortal
invest four points of Aura into an artefact wielding
conjuration spells the artefact acts as if the Immortal
invested five points of Aura rather than four.
Effect on Challenges
A challenge associated with mythic good always
involves assisting another in some fashion.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of good may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Light: The wellspring’s aura strengthens
those aligned with good while weakening creatures
associated with evil. Good characters within the
wellspring gain a bonus to skill checks and saving
throws equal to +1 per effect level. Evil characters
suffer an equal penalty to attack rolls and saving
throws. Mortals feel this aura as a warm surge of
comfort and hope. Effect Level: 1 per point of bonus/
penalty.
71
WELLSPRINGS
Bastion of Hope: The power of mythic good will
answer properly phrased petitions brought to their
attention at this wellspring. Once per lifetime a
mortal may enter the wellspring and swear his
allegiance to good. This act instantly changes the
character’s alignment to good. The mortal may then
request one boon. This boon is roughly equal in effect
to a wish spell cast by a 20th level caster. He must also
accept a quest, as the spell, determined by the Games
Master. If the mortal ever forswears his alliance to
good he immediately loses 1d4 character levels and
the effects of the wish vanish. Effect Level: 5.
Hope’s Light: The mythic good radiating from
the wellspring causes the world to shift its nature.
Animals within the area of effect gain the good
alignment. They are helpful towards good- and
neutral-aligned creatures and avoid those of evil
alignment. These creatures will assist those in need
to the extent of their ability but will not deviate from
standard animal behaviours with regards to predators
and prey. Effect Level: 1 per one-mile radius.
Quiet Altar: Mythic good gains physical
manifestation within the wellspring in the form of
an unadorned altar of white stone. Inanimate objects
placed upon the altar for more than a round are
restored to an as-new condition. This fully heals the
object’s hit points and repairs any other damage done
to it. The altar cures living creatures placed upon it of
the continuing effects of disease or poison, although
the creature must heal the existing attribute damage
through other means. Effect Level: 4.
Defenders of the Right: The wellspring’s presence
calls up celestial defenders. The first level of this
effect summons 30 CR of good-aligned outsiders.
These outsiders have maximum individual CR of
10. Each additional level of this effect adds +15
to the total CR and +3 to the maximum individual
CR. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per 15
additional CR and +3 Max CR.
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of good in his campaign world.
Alternately, he may use them as templates for
wellsprings of his own design.
Shining Throne
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Good
Effects: Bastion of Hope
WELLSPRINGS
On the top of one of the world’s great mountains there
sits a throne made of golden stone with white veins.
A giant could sit in it comfortably, though he might
be overshadowed by the throne’s splendour when the
sun’s light ignites the thousands of flecks within it.
A mortal who sits on the throne can speak directly
to mythic good. If his heart is pure that great force
will respond, granting the mortal’s wish in return for
his soul.
The throne came into being when mythic good first
awoke to its own power. It will exist until the tide
of evil overwhelms the mortal world and possibly
beyond, a shining beacon of hope for those who will
risk everything for their fellow mortals.
St. Aleric’s Tomb
Maximum Victories: 1, Limited
Primal Power: Good
Effects: Hope’s Light (1 mile)
72
Goodman Aleric never claimed the title saint in his
lifetime. He was a simple farmer and musician, a
man who helped his neighbours when they needed a
hand. Most of the people in his district knew him as
slow man of good humour who kept travellers in his
home during the harsh winter months. They mocked
him for his simplicity but used his strong hands when
they needed help.
All that changed during the Infansi invasion. The
Infansi struck swiftly and without warning. As their
armies burned their way through the kingdom the
army scrambled to respond while people died bloody
deaths. As the summer fields burned, famine began to
stalk the land along with bandits, soldiers and carrion
crows.
While his neighbours panicked Aleric reached
deep into his own stores to feed the hungry. As
the Infansi army approached his province he went
from farmstead to farmstead with words of hope
and confidence. He led those who wished to leave
deep into the mountains. There he
found hidden groves where they could
weather the storm in safety.
When the Infansi finally captured him,
the Goodman refused to tell them
where he had hidden his friends. After
they broke his hands and feet they
asked him again and again; he refused.
When they finished with the rest of him
they offered him a swift death in return
for the information. He laughed and
lingered on another four days before
finally finding release.
When the farmers returned to their
lands they found four great apple
trees growing close together at the
site where he fell. Blackberries and
morning glories twined around the
trees, forming the walls of what came
to be known as St. Aleric’s Tomb. The
villagers still go there to pray for peace
and to honour the future given to them
by one man’s brave death.
Tower of the Ascendance
Maximum Victories: 4, Unlimited
Primal Power: Good
Effects: Aura of Light (Good creatures
gain +2 to skill checks and saving
throws, Evil creatures suffer –2 to

attack rolls and saving throws), Defenders of the
Right (75 CR, Max CR 19), Hope’s Light (2 miles),
Quiet Altar
This ancient tower looks like nothing more than a
ruined shell of weathered grey stone from the outside.
However, it radiates an aura of such peace even the
hardest heart can feel it. Something about it speaks to
the viewer of hope and prosperity unlimited by mortal
constraints.
The tower’s defenders will not allow a creature with
evil in its heart to come too close to this sacred space.
Those they allow to pass will discover, once they
cross the tower’s threshold, that this structure never
fell to ruin. Instead, it is a tower of white marble
that literally reaches up into heaven. An Immortal
or extremely powerful mortal magician could use it
as a pathway to the outer planes. A mortal could set
foot on the great golden stair and begin his ascent. If
he survived the trials he encountered on the way he
would emerge as a figure covered in glory, a young
Immortal in the full bloom of his power.
This created wellspring came into being when a mortal
man first sat upon the Shining Throne. Although his
name is long forgotten, he built the tower to create a
path that mortal men could follow towards the heart
of good. The oldest Immortals say the opening of its
gate to the mortal world was his last act before he
transcended the mortal realm entirely.
Law (Order, Stasis)
When the gods wove the world some of them argued
the only way to preserve their work was to establish
perfect order at the onset. This rigid structure would
prevent random events from marring the perfect
symmetry implicit in the gods’ designs. It would also
stifle free-willed mortals, whose uncontrolled actions
could potentially throw the universe out of balance.
As the gods worked and bickered their ideal of a
perfect, organised world became the seed of mythic
law. When the world was young it fed off the ordered
systems caused by the interaction of the abstract and
elemental powers. As it matured, gaining strength
as it measured itself against mythic chaos, the force
of law began to impinge on mortal minds. To tempt
them it offers a cold vision of the world, one filled
with predictable events and ordered consequences,
where mortals may sacrifice their free will for safety
from the darkness.
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WELLSPRINGS
Unlike the other three mythic powers, law has never
and will never answer to the gods. Its power comes
from the systems supporting the world and from
the fabric holding it together. If anything, the gods
will one day answer to mythic law for their crimes
against their own creation, for creating mysteries
and breaking the rules without consideration for the
effects of their actions.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: Mortals, even those dedicated to
chaos, rely on mythic law’s consistency to regulate
events. Only the most insane beings truly wish
for cause and effect to stop working or for inertia
to no longer hold things to their course. Beyond
this base level of order, though, each mortal wants
different amounts of structure in his life. Some can
survive with no structure whatsoever. They thrive on
constant cultural and personal change. Others need
to follow patterns established by their ancestors in
every thought and action. These people honestly feel
that failure to properly repeat a ritual will bring their
entire civilisation to its knees.
When mythic law comes into contact with positive
energy it creates animated spirits dedicated to pure
order. Most ‘pure’ lawful spirits come into being with
a specific purpose in mind. These creatures typically
go on to serve the abstract powers. A handful have
the intention of destroying chaos forever, creating a
static universe in which only pure law exists. The
spirits created from mythic law, mingled with mythic
good and evil, join with others of their kind in order
to extend their logical, structured approach to their
secondary power throughout the world. These
secondary spirits suffer from the restrictions of law
and their secondary element; this makes them staunch
defenders but limits their ability to create a new world
in the future.
Immortals associated with mythic law immediately
become obsessive-compulsive in their behaviour
patterns. They cannot stand to deviate, even by a
small fraction, from the activities that brought them
to power. As their sense of the universe’s grand
symmetry grows they become the enemies of change
and the future. Change represents a disharmony
they simply cannot abide, a jarring note in the grand
celestial symphony only they hear. As they approach
apotheosis’ final steps this desire for order becomes
so strong the Immortal gains the ability to enforce
order in the world around him.
WELLSPRINGS
Wellsprings of order radiate an aura of cold control.
Nothing changes near them; each thing exists exactly
where and how it must exist according to the universal
laws. Objects moved from their rightful place tend
to move back when not directly observed. Animals
follow their patterns rigidly, to the point of ignoring
intruders or even new predators. Mortals trapped
within the wellspring’s aura may gradually forget
they have free will, leading them to blindly obey the
dictates handed down to them from above.
Blessings and Banes
The power of good gives the following blessings and
banes.
Law’s Stasis (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with mythic good he
begins to suffer from this bane’s effects. When this
bane first takes effect the Immortal must select one
transformation from the following list: can only walk
in straight lines, a visible aura of blue light laced with
geometric patterns, eyes of crystal, metallic skin (any
metal) marked with deep embossing or a scent of
metal and oil rather than mortal flesh. The character
must select an additional transformation each time he
gains a tap level associated with mythic law. He may
not hide these features using illusions or the Disguise
skill.
Law’s Symphony (Su): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with mythic law he must
select either this blessing or Light of the Law. If
he selects this blessing he gains the ability to detect
chaos (as the spell) at will.
Light of the Law (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his first victory associated with mythic law he must
choose either this blessing or Law’s Symphony. If
he selects this blessing the Immortal gains the ability
to reinforce the structure of what is, over what might
be. When a character within 30 feet gains a bonus to
a skill, attack roll or damage roll from a source other
than his own skills, power sources and mortal class
abilities (including base attack bonus) the Immortal
Law
Victories
Tap Level Required Bane
1 1 Law’s Stasis
2 3
3 5 Law’s Dictates or Wheel of the Law
4 7
5 9 Bound to the Wheel
74
may, as a free action, spend his Aura to negate that
bonus. Each point of Aura the Immortal spends
reduces the bonus by one to a minimum of zero.
Law’s Dictates (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic law he must
choose either this bane or Wheel of the Law. If
he selects this bane he may never break or deviate
from his sworn word. Each agreement the Immortal
accepts becomes bound into his power. If he fails to
live up to the letter of his word he will immediately
lose all of his gifts associated with mythic law until
he atones for his actions. Immortals with this bane
become very adept at twisting words to suit their own
ends. However, the Games Master retains the final
say on whether or not an Immortal’s actions violated
his sworn oaths.
Wheel of the Law (Ex): When an Immortal achieves
his fifth victory associated with mythic law he must
choose either this bane or Law’s Dictates. When
he selects this bane he immediately gains a deep
and abiding understanding of what must be. The
Immortal becomes, in effect, a servant of fate and
time’s inevitable progress. Once an action is resolved,
regardless of the outcome, he cannot attempt to
change it. For example, the Immortal cannot cast a
healing spell on a dying companion or renegotiate an
existing contract if its terms prove too difficult for his
friends to live up to.
Disharmony’s Discord (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his fifth victory associated with mythic law
he gains this blessing. The Immortal automatically
knows when a chaotic-aligned outsider enters his
Aura. Furthermore, when a chaotic-aligned outsider
uses any supernatural or spell-like ability the
Immortal can sense the action if the outsider is within
one mile per point of the Immortal’s positive Wisdom
modifier.
Bound to the Wheel (Ex): When an Immortal
achieves his ninth victory associated with mythic
law he suffers from its final bane. Once he begins a
Blessing
Law’s Symphony or Light of the Law
Disharmony’s Discord
Lord of Law

course of action he cannot stop or change his mind,
even if continuing will lead to his own death or the
destruction of everything he holds dear. The only
exception to this is if the Games Master rules the
action will result in an increase rather than a decrease
in chaos’ sway over the world. In this case the
Immortal may abandon the course of action, but only
if he does so immediately upon having the revelation.
If he chooses to ignore the potential consequences he
forfeits the chance to escape this bane’s effects.
Lord of Law (Su): When an Immortal achieves his
ninth victory associated with mythic law he gains
its final blessing. He may command any outsider of
lawful alignment by making a contested check with
that creature. The Immortal rolls 1d20 and adds his
character level and total number of victories. The
outsider rolls 1d20 and adds its Challenge Rating.
If the Immortal’s check result exceeds the outsider’s
the outsider must obey any one order given by the
Immortal. This command is absolute: the Immortal
may command the being to perform any action and it
must obey even if obedience would lead to its death.
Gift Side Effects
Mythic law strengthens numen gifts associated with
lawful spirits. If the Immortal invests at least one
point of his Aura into the numen gift he gains a +1
bonus to the total amount of Aura he invested. For
example, if the Immortal invests two points of Aura
into a servant numen gift the spirits gain strength as
if the Immortal invested three points of Aura rather
than two.
Effect on Challenges
The powers of mythic law demand order and
consistency from their servants. The Games Master
must lay down paths to immortality involving mythic
law; mythic law rejects those who try to walk their
own path.
Wellspring Effects
Wellsprings of law may have some or all of the
following effects.
Aura of Stability: The wellspring’s aura strengthens
those aligned with law while weakening creatures
associated with chaos. Lawful characters within the
wellspring gain a bonus to skill checks and saving
throws equal to +1 per effect level. Chaotic characters
suffer an equal penalty to attack rolls and saving
throws. Mortals feel this aura as a heavy weight that
75
WELLSPRINGS
grants both stability and stagnation. Effect Level: 1
per point of bonus/penalty.
Bastion of Law: The wellspring acts as a direct
channel to the power of mythic law. This power will
respond if the petitioner knows the proper rituals
and willingly binds himself to its cause. Once
per lifetime a mortal may enter the wellspring and
swear his allegiance to law. If he makes a successful
Spellcraft check (DC 15) the powers will respond. If
he fails this skill check he may never petition mythic
law again. If successful, this act instantly changes the
character’s alignment to lawful. The mortal may then
request one boon. This boon is roughly equal in effect
to a wish spell cast by a 20th level caster. If the mortal
ever forswears his alliance to law he immediately
loses 1d4 character levels and the effects of the wish
vanish. Effect Level: 4.
Peace in Root and Branch: The wellspring’s power
acts as a ward against the destructive power of random
change. A creature wishing to engage in destructive
acts must make a Will save (DC 10 + the wellspring’s
maximum victories). If the creature fails he suffers a
–2 penalty to his actions each round until he stops. If
he succeeds he may act normally. Effect Level: 1 per
one-mile radius.
Crystal Pool: Mythic law takes physical substance
within the wellspring in the form of a pool of liquid
crystal. A character may stand at the pool and form
the thought of an item in his mind. If he makes a
Concentration check (DC 30) the item appears from
out of the pool within 3d4 rounds. The item is a
masterwork of its kind. It is made of common but
sturdy materials and vanishes if it leaves the creator’s
hands. Effect Level: 4.
Law’s Enforcers: The wellspring’s power calls forth
protectors of lawful alignment. The first level of this
effect calls forth up to 30 CR of lawful outsiders.
Each individual has a maximum possible CR of
10. Each additional effect level increases the total
CR summoned by +15 and the maximum CR by
+2. These outsiders may be a mix of good and evil,
although each wellspring will tend to summon one or
the other. Effect Level: 1 (30 CR, Max CR 10) + 1 per
15 additional CR and +2 Max CR.
WELLSPRINGS
Example Wellsprings
The Games Master may place any of the following
wellsprings of law in his campaign world. Alternately,
he may use them as templates for wellsprings of his
own design.
Crystal Throne
Maximum Victories: 4, Limited
Primal Power: Law
Effects: Bastion of Law
On the top of one of the world’s four great mountains
there sits a throne grown from a single piece of
crystal. A giant could sit within the chair comfortably
enough though its cold surface might strip the skin off
a frost giant. A mortal who knows the proper rites can
sit on the throne and speak directly with the power of
mythic law. That power will, if properly petitioned,
respond by granting the mortal his dearest wish.
This foundation stone wellspring came into being
when mythic law first awakened to its own power.
It will remain until the universe finally comes to its
inevitable end.
The Hall of Creation
Maximum Victories: 3, Unlimited
Primal Power: Law
Effects: Crystal Pool, Law’s Enforces (90 CR, Max
CR 21)
When the gods wove the world they needed a place
to plan their daily activities. For such an organised
effort they created a hall of stone and steel and a
place where they could weave their powers together.
When mythic law came into being it possessed the
hall, filling it with rigid strength. The contrivances
of creation animated, becoming creatures in their
own right. In time, these creatures would become the
Formians.
Mortals can access this foundation stone wellspring
by entering a small, dingy cave somewhere in the
mountains of the world. Scholars and sages debate
where this cave rests; the truth is that it exists
everywhere and nowhere at once. It appears to those
who have need of the power of law and hides itself
from those who would use its strength in the service
of chaos.
76
Library of All Things
Maximum Victories: 2, Limited
Primal Power: Law
Effects: Law’s Enforcers (30 CR, Max CR 10), Peace
in Root and Branch (DC 12, 1 mile)
The quiet of Carsyle was broken only once in the
thousand years since the five scholars raised their
towers in the vale. Two hundred years ago an army
came to the college town, bearing fire and swords.
They claimed to be revolutionaries dedicated to the
overthrow of the corrupt order. They cut servants into
bloody ruins and lit the fields around the town with
red flame. When the scholars sent pigeons begging
for assistance the king flatly refused; he had his own
problems.
As the rebels approached the towers where the
kingdom’s laws and history sat on fragile parchment
the scholars met in one last convocation. Men,
women, boys and girls, down to the least page, agreed
to a desperate course of action. The black-robed
scholars walked out onto the greenswards surrounding
the oldest tower. There they linked hands, forming a
living wall around the last stronghold of knowledge
in the land. When the rebels cut one down another
stepped forward to take his place.
In the end, as the last boy fell onto his teacher’s
bloody body, the force of law responded with fatal
prejudice. Formians boiled out of the ground, cutting
the rebels down. That power still lingers in the air
and land, binding peace to the land under the penalty
of death.

Covenants
T
he previous chapter provides details about the
primal powers an Immortal might tap into in
order to ascend along the path to immortality.
These powers come from the tools used to create the
world and all its myriad components. An Immortal
who taps into them owes his power to no one; he
ascends through his own will. However, other than
his numina he does not necessarily have anyone to
turn to if things go wrong. When pride and power
fail, the Immortal faces the forces arrayed against
him alone.
There exist, however, other sources of power an
Immortal might aspire to. These sources have will
and volition of their own. They will give the would-
be Immortal power in return for services rendered or
challenges won.
This power comes in the form of a covenant. A
covenant forms an agreement between the Immortal
and the granting power. So long as the Immortal
abides by the covenant’s restrictions the granter
will give the Immortal a part of his own power. If
the Immortal violates the covenant the granter can
revoke it, leaving the Immortal powerless before his
many foes.
An Immortal may enter into a covenant with any
power greater than himself, including another
Immortal. Each covenant represents a unique
agreement between the character and the granting
power. However, these covenants tend to follow
specific, formal conventions established at the
beginning of time.
The mortal classes of clerics, druids, rangers and
paladins represent a limited form of the covenant
Short Form: Covenants in a
Paragraph
If an Immortal meets a specific challenge
established by a god or other granting power
he enters a covenant with that power. Each
time he meets another challenge he gains a
restriction and an additional victory associated
with that covenant. If he violates the restrictions
the granter revokes the power until he atones.
Entering into a covenant involves the character
in the feuds and alliances of the granting power.
77
COVENANTS
arrangement. These classes each involve the
character agreeing to perform specific services and
to obey particular codes of conduct in return for
access to supernatural abilities. A formal covenant,
however, involves even more specific restrictions and
clearer returns for the agreement.
Granting Powers
As mentioned above each covenant involves two
parties: the Immortal and the granting power. These
granting powers come in all shapes and sizes, from
minor powers isolated in a single physical region, to
gods who helped to create the world. Some Immortal
scholars believe there may exist an infinite number of
possible granting powers, although only a few seem
active during any specific era.
Despite their diversity all granting powers have a
handful of attributes in common. These attributes are
sentience, ability to make a decision and the ability
to give power to another person. Without these three
attributes something may be quite powerful but it
cannot form the basic elements of a covenant.
All granting powers possess the ability to form
rational thoughts. Nothing says these thoughts must
make sense to mortals, after all, the former may
possess senses and abilities radically different from
those used by mortals who eke out an existence in
muddy fields. Regardless of the width of the gap the
two sides can create a common agreement through
the covenant.
Similarly, the granting power must possess the right
to make a decision for itself. This attribute comes
into play primarily when dealing with the servants
of various gods. These creatures, regardless of their
power, do not possess free will. They do not have
the ability or the right to enter into a covenant. At
best they may act as intermediaries in a covenant
arrangement involving an Immortal and the god who
created them.
Finally the granting power must possess the ability to
somehow imbue its power into other creatures. The
exact mechanism for this imbuing may vary from
power to power. For example, one power may detach
a small portion of its own awareness to passively
possess the Immortal while another may ‘reflect’
a small portion of its abilities into the Immortal’s
physical form.
 COVENANTS
† In some worlds a nation meets the criteria outlined
A power that does not
possess all three of these
aspects cannot enter into a
covenant. At the Games Master’s
discretion, however, a sufficiently dedicated
Immortal might tap into the power source using the
rules outlined in the Wellsprings chapter.
Examples of powers that either meet or do not meet
the above criteria include:
† A mad demon-god at the centre of the universe
may not meet the above criteria. He may be
sentient and have the ability to transfer parts of his
power but he cannot make decisions. At best his
‘covenants’ represent fleeting moments of power
for those who enter into them. However, the
Games Master may allow characters to establish a
tap into mythic evil through the god, using him as
a wellspring for their powers.
† A devil-prince engaged in mortal affairs meets
the above criteria. He is intelligent, able to make
his own decisions and has the inherent ability
to imbue others with his powers. The prince’s
created servants may not enter into agreements on
their own. His bound servants may not extend his
power to others though they may have agreements
related to other powers.
78
above. The people as a whole can make rational
decisions, have the free will associated with
mortals and can voluntarily invest that free
will in others of their own kind. This power
source is particularly prevalent in worlds
with strong magical influences; the Immortal
becomes a conduit for the combined arcane
might of the nation in return for performing
services for the people.
† A blind god of judgement sitting on
his silver throne holding the scales in which
he weighs the world meets the above criteria.
He possesses sufficient sentience to interact
with others, the right to make decisions of his
own accord and the ability to pass on some
of his power of judgement to designated
authorities. The judge’s servants, who exist
simply to carry out his wishes, cannot pass on
his powers.
As a rule of thumb any power capable of
granting divine spells or permitting a wish is
a power source.
Granting Power
Categories: Collectives and
Gods
Granters of powers fall into one of two distinct
categories: collectives and gods. The first category
includes a group of beings (whether mortal or
otherwise) entering into an agreement with the
Immortal. The other category includes all of those
beings who can give significant power without
requiring the assistance of others.
A collective power source consists of hundreds,
thousands or even millions of individual beings who
agree to give a portion of their power and free will to
the Immortal in a covenant agreement. Each gift of
power may not amount to much; most such gifts could
not fuel a 0 level spell. However, when collected
together this power can sustain an Immortal gift and
push him one victory closer to transcendence.
Examples of collective power sources include: a
kingdom that grants immortality to its king, a council
of fey capable of granting power over the plants and
animals in its forest or a conclave of spirits who can
grant the Immortal the powers of the wind.

Conversely gods have already transcended the mortal
coil. Some are Immortals who walked the path to
immortality in ages past. Others came into being just
before or during the creation of the world. Whatever
their origin each god wields tremendous power over
specific domains of influence. The god can grant part
of his powers to an Immortal as part of the covenant
arrangement.
The gods in most D20 campaigns vary in strength
from relatively weak demi-gods to the almost
indescribably powerful greater gods. In worlds where
this distinction comes into play each successive
level of god can enter into more and more complex
covenants, resulting in each god being able to guide
the Immortal closer and closer to transcendence. The
greatest gods in the campaign can grant transcendence
to those who prove themselves worthy. Other, weaker
gods must allow their favoured servants to prove their
worth to their allies as well.
Gods and Multiple Domains
As described in Core Rulebook I and elsewhere, each
god influences a number of domains. A god can enter
into a covenant agreement associated with any of his
domains, so long as that domain does not conflict
with the Immortal’s own alignment.
When an Immortal successfully completes a
challenge to extend his covenant with the god he may
choose to either increase one of his current covenant
domains or add a new one from the god’s portfolio.
The god uses the total value of the covenant, not
the individual domain totals, to determine when it
reaches its maximum limit.
Example: Walther, an Immortal with a covenant
arrangement (War 1), slays the demon-dragon Ikuko.
This deed completes the challenge placed before him
by his patron, the minor god of war Nekoda Uji. In
return Uji grants Walther a new gift. Walther could
either increase his War term to two or select another
domain from Nekoda Uji’s portfolio. Regardless of
his choice the covenant total equals two.
Granting Powers and
Maximum Victories
As stated above, each granting power supports a
limited number of victories. The greatest gods
can lead their chosen champions to transcendence.
Other, less powerful gods simply cannot make that
radical a transformation within the world. If their
servants truly desire to transcend the god will have to
allow them to serve additional masters.
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COVENANTS
As a general rule gods and powers can grant the
following number of victories along the path to
immortality.
Maximum Number of
Type Victories per Immortal
Quasi Deity 1
Demi-god 3
Lesser Deity 5
Collective Power 7
Intermediate Deity 7
Greater Deity 9
Over Deity 13
If the Games Master wishes to define his campaign
world’s deities’ maximum number of victories per
Immortal on a case-by-case basis he may do so. The
above table provides guidelines; the Games Master
may ignore them if he wishes. For example, he may
wish to create a quasi-deity of immortality charged
with managing the path to immortality by the creator
god. This quasi-deity could grant up to 13 victories
to a worthy Immortal.
Immortals may enter into covenant arrangements if
they have the proper gifts to do so. Each victory
an Immortal grants reduces his Aura and his total
number of victories used to calculate his apotheosis.
Terms of the
Covenant
By definition a covenant represents an agreement
between two or more individuals. The covenant
governs an exchange of goods, services or abilities
between the signing parties. When mortals form
covenants they tend to exchange fairly mundane
things: houses for currency, land for a portion of the
yearly harvest or jurisdiction over a group of people
in return for military service. When Immortals form
covenants with granting powers the power grants
indirect access to the tools of creation in return for the
Immortal’s oath to perform actions directly related to
maintaining or destroying something important to the
granting power.
Although granting powers can, in theory, ask the
Immortal to perform any sort of service, in practicality
they usually only make a small number of requests.
These requests follow a format established when the
gods wove the world and cannot be altered to fit the
whims of a particular mortal, Immortal or god. These
formats form a ‘natural law’ written into the universe.
COVENANTS

Once an Immortal agrees to the covenant he is not

just giving his word; he has committed himself to
a process as inevitable as the sun’s travels through
the sky or the transformation of water into ice when
the world grows cold. Failing to participate in the
process can have terrible, even fatal, consequences as
the universe acts to right itself.
The following service formats exist in most
worlds: allegiances, bonds, commitments, nemeses,
offerings, quests and rituals. Each format outlines
a particular kind of service in language that cannot
be denied. If the Immortal tries to violate either the
spirit or the letter of his covenants he will suffer the
consequences.
The format entries below contain the following
information:
Name: The traditional name for service agreements
following this format.
Letter of the Law: This subsection lists the specific
words used in the covenant. This forms the ‘letter’ of
the natural law.
Spirit of the Law: This subsection lists what the
gods intended when they wove the format into the
fabric of the world. Violating the spirit of the law
brings the same consequences as violating the letter.
Modifying Terms: This subsection lists various
modifying terms the granting power may legitimately
incorporate into the format without breaking it.
Allegiances
When an Immortal agrees to abide by an allegiance
term in a covenant he accepts that other beings
have the ability, if they follow the proper rituals, to
command his time. The covenant must specify what
beings can demand the character’s attention and what
steps they must follow in order to do so.
Letter of the Law: I will aid the (insert character
race, creature type/subtype, class, nation or people)
when they call. I will stand between them and
danger; I will lay down my life if I must to further
their cause.
Spirit of the Law: An Immortal who accepts this
covenant term places the welfare of a character
race, creature type/subtype, class, nation or people
ahead of his own. When they call upon his aid using
the proper form he does not have the option of not
responding.
This assistance must address the need but does not
have to take place immediately after the request for
aid. Furthermore the assistance does not have to take
a specified form. The Immortal must deal with the
request in a way that deals minimum damage to the
petitioner; beyond that he may use whatever means
he deems necessary to execute the effect.
Technically, if a petition fails to follow the
appropriate format the Immortal may ignore it.
However, ignoring an improperly phrased petition
may have other ramifications depending upon the
circumstances. For example, a character that enters

Covenants and Illegitimate or Optional Terms

As stated above, the terms of a covenant must follow one of the seven formats woven into the universe.
However, this does not stop gods and devils from demanding other kinds of services from those who serve
them. Although the being may be upset if the Immortal breaks the optional commitments he cannot withdraw
the power he grants for such an infraction.

Devils (and other powers of both law and evil) are particularly famous for complicating the language of
various terms. The extra words they weave into the established format have no binding power, although they
like to make their thralls believe otherwise. Violating the true terms can bring retribution; violating the false
or misleading terms leads to more trickery by the granting power.

Players engaged in covenants with dark powers may try to avoid some of the most onerous aspects of their
covenant agreements, especially if these aspects do not relate to the established covenants. It is up to the
Games Master to ensure that each time the character violates a term, binding or not, the consequences far
outweigh the benefits.

80

a covenant with a good power will anger his granting
power if he refuses to help other good creatures
regardless of the legal niceties.
Modifications to an Allegiance
The following modifiers apply to an allegiance
covenant term. The Games Master, not the players,
determines which modifiers apply to a particular
covenant term.
Valid Petitioners: This modifier controls who
is able to demand aid from the Immortal. The
list of possibilities includes but is not limited to
combinations of the following:
† Alignment: Any character of the appropriate
alignment may demand aid.
† Alliance: Any character sworn to serve a particular
god may demand aid.
† Race: Any character of the appropriate race may
demand aid.
† Sex: Any male or female (select one) may demand
aid.
† Nation: Any citizen of a particular nation may
demand aid.
† People: Any member of a particular ethnicity may
demand aid.
† Type/Subtype: Any creature of the appropriate
type/subtype may demand aid.
† Class (and level): Any creature with one or more
levels of the appropriate class may demand aid.
Examples of targets include: all evil sorcerers over
9th level, all good elves and all of the worshippers of
the god of locks.
Petition Time: This modifier controls when a
petitioner may demand assistance from the Immortal.
The possible petition times include:
† A specific season (e.g. only during the summer
months).
† One of the four day markers (dawn, noon, dusk,
midnight).
† Only after a specific recurring event (the yearly
solstice).
Forbidden Aid: This modifier affects what
assistance the Immortal may extend. Each forbidden
aid modifier applied further restricts the Immortal’s
actions. A list of potentially forbidden methods of
extending aid includes but is not limited to:
† Information: The Immortal may not provide
the petitioner with information beyond what
the petitioner could secure through his own
resources.
COVENANTS
† Magical Assistance: The Immortal may not
resolve the problem using his magical or Immortal
powers.
† Material Assistance: The Immortal may not
provide the petitioner with wealth or the materials
needed to directly solve his problem.
† Support: The Immortal may not resolve the
problem for the petitioner using his mortal skills,
although he may support the petitioner’s own
actions.
Petitioning Details
Each covenant containing an allegiance term contains
within it a specific ritual petitioners use to invoke the
agreement. This ritual ranges from something as
simple as uttering the Immortal’s name to complex
rituals requiring up to 1,000 gp investment per
petition.
Properly invoking the petition ritual requires a
Knowledge (religion) or Knowledge (arcana) check
(DC 15). Each skill check takes at least one hour and
completely consumes whatever materials the mortal
uses. If the mortal fails the petition does not reach
the Immortal’s ears unless he could sense it through
ordinary means.
When a mortal properly completes the petition
ritual the Immortal becomes aware of the petition’s
contents, the petitioner’s location and his general
welfare. The Immortal must immediately respond,
regardless of his current activities.
An Immortal, even one who meets the other
requirements for being a petitioner, cannot petition
another Immortal for aid.
During each day of in-game time the Games Master
secretly rolls 1d10. If the result comes up a one the
Immortal receives a properly phrased petition that
day. If it comes up any other number the mortals
may make improper petitions but the Immortal is not
required to act upon them.
Some Immortals, in order to hide form their
responsibilities, try to hide their ‘true name’ from
their petitioners. Despite the amount of Immortal
lore suggesting otherwise this trick does not work.
The petitioners may invoke the Immortal using any
name or title he possesses or once possessed.
81
COVENANTS
Bonds
When an Immortal agrees to abide by a bond he agrees
to do everything in his power to foster a specific set
of conditions in the world. These conditions will
usually favour the granting power in some way.
However, they may also relate to expanding the role
of one of the four mythic powers or to furthering the
processes embodied by the abstract powers.
Letter of the Law: I must create a world in which
(insert condition, nation or people) thrives. I may
not allow, through action or inaction, harm to come
to the things fostering (insert condition, nation or
people).
Spirit of the Law: An Immortal who accepts this
covenant term dedicates himself to a condition,
nation or people. He must protect this thing with all
of the resources at his disposal.
However, a bond does not force the Immortal to act
in a specific case. For example, an Immortal with a
bond to the elven people may help or hinder a party
of elven adventurers based on his own assessment of
whether their actions will help the people as a whole.
He may even go so far as to indirectly cause them
suffering, so long as doing so improves the chances
of the people as a whole.
In the case of a world condition (e.g. peace or war),
the Immortal must take actions promoting and
prevent actions interfering with the continuance of
the desired state. Once again, the bond does not force
the Immortal’s action in each specific case. Rather,
he must act to promote the general state.
In all cases the Immortal’s intentions matter less
than his action’s real effects. An Immortal with
good intentions who bungles, causing his bond to
fail rather than grow strong, quickly finds himself in
violation of this covenant term.
Modifications to a Bond
The following modifiers apply to a bond covenant
term. The Games Master, not the players, determines
which modifiers apply to a particular covenant term.
Bound to a Condition: The Immortal is bound to
foster a specific condition in the world. Every action
the character takes should in some way support this
condition or at the very least not hinder its progress.
Possible conditions an Immortal may find himself
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bound to include: anarchy, death, destruction, famine,
order, justice, madness, peace, plague, prosperity or
war.
The Games Master makes the final ruling as to
whether or not a specific action or course of actions
aids or hinders the bound condition.
Bound to a Nation: The Immortal must do everything
in his power to aid a discrete nation of the world.
This nation’s existence is vitally important to the
world and its future. The Immortal will, therefore,
suffer its fate. So long as the nation prospers the
Immortal may do as he wills. However, when things
begin to turn against the nation the Immortal must
set aside his own activities in order to deal with
the nation’s ills. If the nation collapses entirely the
Immortal loses the victory and gift associated with
this covenant term until he restores the nation to its
former glory.
Bound to a People: The Immortal serves the best
interest of a specific ethnic group. This group
usually claims descent from a specific hero-ancestor
beloved by the granting power, although other
arrangements are certainly possible. The Immortal
retains responsibility for the people wherever they
happen to settle unless this term comes with a
specific scope of action. In this context the Games
Master may substitute a creature type/subtype for an
ethnic group.
Bound to a Place: The Immortal must protect a
specific place. Any people or creatures living within
the area when the Immortal assumes the bond fall
under his protection, as do their descendants. People
and creatures that move into the area do not join the
bond nor does the Immortal retain responsibility for
creatures voluntarily moving outside of the protected
place.
Scope of Action: The Immortal’s bond is limited to
a specific geographic or temporal scope. Specific
landmarks (e.g. mountains and rivers) define
geographic limits. Temporal limits restrict the
character’s responsibility to particular times of the
day or not. Like geographic limits they have specific
landmarks: usually the rising or setting of the sun/
moon/a particular star.
The bond to a type and scope of action modifiers may
be combined to create detailed bonds. Examples
include: a nation so long as they remain within their
designated mountain valleys, promote peace while

the Summer Crown (a summer constellation) remains
in the sky or promote conditions under which vermin
can flourish.
Bond Awareness and Deterioration
When an Immortal accepts a bond he develops a
general awareness about the bond’s object. This
sense allows him to make a Concentration check (DC
below) to access one of the effects listed in the table
below.
Unless the Immortal actively takes steps to promote
his bond the Games Master makes a secret roll on
1d20 once per game month. On an even result the
bond’s situation begins to deteriorate. If the Immortal
does not take corrective action the condition receives
one ‘deterioration mark’. When the condition
acquires three marks the Immortal is considered to
be in violation of the covenant’s terms. He loses the
victory and gift associated with this covenant term.
He may atone for his failure by restoring the bond
and making amends with the granting power.
Commitments
The Immortal commits to the performance of specific
practical duties on behalf of the granting power.
These duties require at least 10% of the character’s
time. The duty always involves some physical or
magical action. Most duties involve something the
granting power would have to do anyway or needs
done by a third party for some metaphysical reason.
Letter of the Law: I will take up the duties of (insert
title here). I accept these duties as my life and my
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
Spirit of the Law: An Immortal who accepts this
covenant term takes on a title within a deity’s court
or from the plethora of roles woven into the world’s
fabric. This title possesses specific duties the
character must undertake. If he fails to discharge
these duties at the agreed-upon times then he violates
this term.
Bond Awareness and Deterioration
Effect
Determine if personal action will help or harm bond
Determine if another character’s action will help or harm bond
Assess general condition of bond (i.e. doing well, needs help in a particular place, etc.)
Assess specific condition of an individual creature, place, or object associated with the
bound. This reveals the location, condition and general welfare of a single member of
the bond
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COVENANTS
Failure to perform duties associated with a divine
court interferes both with other Immortals and with
whatever natural processes the court governs. In
addition to causing political problems, this can
lead to untold devastation in the mortal world. For
example, if an Immortal with the title ‘Overseer of the
Eastern Tides’ fails in his duties to organise the water
elementals he could devastate entire coastlines.
Failure to perform duties woven into the world
can have equally destructive consequences. These
titles and duties typically stem from some specific
process or power that requires direct oversight.
When oversight fails, the effect spins out of control.
For example, in some worlds each wind and type of
storm requires a specific overseer. If the overseer
fails in his duty then the wind/storm slips its chains,
scouring the world until something intervenes.
In both cases failure carries three separate
consequences: the loss of power associated with
standard failure, social/political problems within the
Immortal community and some practical destruction
the Immortal must deal with before he can atone for
his actions.
Terms of Commitment
Commitments require the character to perform one of
the following roles. The Games Master may mix and
match duties from these roles or create new roles if
he needs to meet specific campaign goals.
Each role possesses a specific, flowery title associated
with it in the context of the covenant arrangement.
Thus, a character will not swear to be a courtier or
a seneschal. Instead, he swears to be the Courtier of
the Ninth Star or Seneschal of the House of Dawn.
Adversary (Primary Skill: Intimidate): The Immortal
spends some of his time creating situations to try
mortals. He usually works alone, although he may
work with other adversaries on particularly complex
schemes. Being an adversary requires at least 10%
DC Time Required
15 Free action
20 1 round
25 1 minute
30 1 hour
COVENANTS
of the characters time in blocks of no less than one
day each.
Caretaker (Primary Skill: Healing): The Immortal
takes on responsibility for helping and guiding
some living creature. Unlike the other roles, being
a caretaker is a full time position. The caretaker
assumes responsibility upon the creature’s birth and
retains it until the creature comes of age. After his
charge matures the granting power will not call upon
the caretaker for at least another 2d4 years.
Courtier (Primary Skill: Bluff): The Immortal must
spend time in an Immortal or divine court. During
this time he must assist other Immortals bound to the
same granting power. He must also arrange events at
the court so they favour the granting power’s causes.
Courtier duty typically takes 20% of the character’s
time, in blocks of no less than one week.
Fool (Primary Skill: Perform (any)): The Immortal
accepts the responsibility to show his fellows the
truth through wit and humour. A fool is only partially
entertaining; he also thrusts uncomfortable truths out
into the light and makes people face themselves
whether they wish to or not. Duty as a fool takes
up 10% of the character’s time in blocks of no more
than one day each. Most Immortal or divine courts
cannot stand to have a good fool around for longer
than that.
General (Primary Skill: Base Attack Bonus +
Intelligence): The Immortal leads a legion of
outsiders or other mortals who serve the granting
power. He must lead them in battle, drill them during
peace and deal with any infractions or discipline
problems during either state. A general’s duties take
up 20% of the character’s time in blocks of no less
than one week each.
Guardian (Primary Skill: Spot): The Immortal
assumes responsibility for defending a specific
person, place or object. The Immortal must remain
within line of sight of his charge. He must protect it
from those who would bring it harm. A guardian’s
duties take up 10% of the character’s available time
in blocks of no less than one day each.
Herald (Primary Skill: Knowledge (religion)): The
Immortal acts as a messenger within and between
Immortal and divine organisations. While functioning
as a herald the Immortal cannot come to harm while
in a hostile court, although nothing prevents his
enemies from tormenting him verbally. Performing
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a herald’s duties takes 10% of the character’s time in
blocks of no less than one week.
Hunter (Primary Skill: Survival): The Immortal
assumes responsibility for hunting down and
destroying things displeasing to the granting power.
Performing a hunter’s duties takes 20% of the
character’s time in blocks of no less than one day
each.
Judge (Primary Skill: Knowledge (law)): The
Immortal assumes jurisdiction over disputes within
an area or Immortal/divine court. Being a judge
requires 20% of the Immortal’s time in blocks of
no less than one day. Judges receive a +1 bonus to
all Diplomacy and Sense Motive checks targeting
intelligent characters within their jurisdiction.
Minister (Primary Skill: Concentration): The
Immortal assumes administrative responsibility
for one of the seemingly infinite number of details
making up the universe. Doing things like counting
grains of sand or recording each baby’s first cry may
seem pointless, but each Minister’s role performs
some vital if relatively mundane function in keeping
the world running smoothly. A minister’s duties
take up 10% of the character’s time in blocks of no
less than one day. Ministers do not suffer drastic
complications (see below) regardless of how poorly
they do at their skill checks.
Sage (Primary Skill Knowledge (arcana) or
Spellcraft): The Immortal must answer questions
posed to the court he serves. These questions may
deal with policy, the natural world or the complex
mythology springing up from the universes’ birth and
extending until its prophesied death. Being a sage
takes up 20% of the character’s time in blocks of
no less than one week. Sages gain an additional +2
racial bonus to all Knowledge skills.
Seneschal (Primary Skill: Diplomacy): The Immortal
takes responsibility for managing and maintaining a
wellspring or divine court. Seneschals serve in one
decade rotations; during their term of service their
duties consume 80% of their time. Outside of the
term of service the Immortal may act as he pleases.
Seneschals receive great respect from other beings,
they receive a +2 bonus to Channel and Infuse
checks required for all numen gifts regardless of their
origin.
 COVENANTS

The Call of Duty
If the Games Master has not previously arranged a
duty schedule he may roll 1d20 at the beginning of
every month. On an even result the character must
devote at least one time block to his duties. If the
character did not serve in the previous month he must
devote two time blocks.
Unless the Games Master wishes to play out the duty
the player makes a check using the role’s primary
skill (DC 30). If he succeeds the Immortal discharges
his duties without difficulty. If he fails this check the
Immortal suffers some complex difficulty requiring
direct attention. If he fails to resolve this difficulty
through the course of play the Immortal defaults on
this obligation.
If a character possesses multiple commitments he
must do his best to meet all of them. The Games
Master may roll for unscheduled commitments
separately or treat them as the same duty. It is always
the Games Master’s choice when the commitments
come into conflict.
target into thinking he wishes to assist them and may
provide them with temporary help so long as the
process ends with their destruction or humiliation.
Unless otherwise specified the Immortal cannot
socially associate with those he swore to destroy.
If he encounters them in the course of his other
duties he may be civil so long as doing so does not
provide the target with an advantage. However, if the
opportunity arises in casual contact for the Immortal
to inflict lasting harm he must immediately take it.
This term concerns itself with lasting rather than
temporary harm. An action that inflicts temporary
harm but in the long run produces a positive effect
is as much a violation as providing direct aid or
shelter.
Modifications to the Nemesis
Relationship
Nemesis relationships take on a variety of tones.
The following modifiers help to model this variety
although other variations remain possible.

Nemesis
When an Immortal agrees to take on a nemesis he
dedicates himself to the destruction and humiliation
of a particular opponent, race or people. He must
do everything in his power to bring his foes low,
even sacrificing himself if it is required of him. The
granting power will bind the Immortal to a nemesis
that opposes its goals; it may even be a former friend
or colleague from the Immortal’s mortal days.

Letter of the Law: I will smite (insert character

race, creature type/subtype, class, nation or people)
with all of the power at my disposal. While I live
they will find neither shade nor water. No living
thing will sustain them; their crops will wither in the
fields. Their children will die, one by one, until their
future fades into dust.

Spirit of the Law: When an Immortal accepts

this term he places the destruction of a particular
character race, creature type/subtype, class, nation
or people ahead of his own survival. He must act
against them however and whenever possible. This
action can include inflicting direct harm, destroying
the conditions supporting the nemesis and allowing
through inaction harm to come to the target.

The Immortal must never, knowingly or unknowingly,

assist those he swore to destroy. He may trick the

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 COVENANTS
Duration: By default when an Immortal engages with
his target he must strike with all his strength until
he annihilates the target. This modifier changes this
default behaviour to one of the following:
† Indirect Strike: The Immortal may not directly
attack the target, but may torment it for any
duration.
† Limited Duration: The Immortal only has a short
period of time to destroy the target. Typical limits
include: one hour, one day or from sunrise to
sunset.
† Set Period: The Immortal must ‘play’ with the
target for a specific period of time before executing
the final strike.
† Single Strike: The Immortal may only make a
single attack at his target.
Target: This modifier determines the Immortal’s
foes. The list of possibilities includes but is not
limited to combinations of the following:
† Alignment: Any character of the appropriate
alignment.
† Alliance: Any character sworn to serve a particular
god.
† Race: Any character of the appropriate race.
† Sex: Any male or female (select one).
† Nation: Any citizen of a particular nation.
† People: Any member of a particular ethnicity.
† Type/Subtype: Any creature of the appropriate
type/subtype.
† Class (and level): Any creature with one or more
levels of the appropriate class.
Examples of targets include: all good sorcerers over
9th level, all evil elves and all of the worshippers of
the god of keys.
The Price of Obsession
An Immortal may temporarily use his strength of will
to resist the compulsions laid upon him by becoming
a nemesis. Each round the Immortal deals with a
target in a non-destructive fashion he must make a
Will save (DC 15 + 2 for each round after the first).
If he successfully remains non-destructive for four or
more rounds he no longer needs to make the saving
throws and has violated the terms of his covenant.
Once the Immortal violates his covenant in this
fashion he must destroy the creature he spared in
order to atone for his crimes.
Offerings
The Immortal agrees to make regular offerings of
a material, magical and metaphysical nature to the
86
greater glory of the granting power. The Immortal
makes offerings in public and in private. Public
offerings must be remarkable, impressive and flashy
enough to attract attention. Private offerings must
involve deep personal sacrifice, to the point where
giving up the offering actively pains the character.
Letter of the Law: Of all the things I have this
(insert offering) I offer up as sacrifice. It is mine
by right and might; no being may dispute my claim.
This offering, given at the appointed time, I give of
my own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
Spirit of the Law: The Immortal offers of himself
in order to sustain a specific deity, process, power
or other entity in the universe. This offering
must come from the Immortal’s magical, material
or metaphysical resources. Each offering must
represent an actual sacrifice on the Immortal’s part;
giving up things the Immortal can easily afford does
not imbue the offering with enough force to sustain
the offering’s recipient.
Offerings come in four types: blood, magic, materials
or metaphysical power. When the Immortal offers
blood he sacrifices some number of hit points to his
granting power. Similarly an offering of magic must
prevent the Immortal from using his mortal spells for
at least 10% of the year. Offering materials causes
the Immortal to sacrifice at least 50% of his existing
wealth and mundane/magical equipment. An offering
of metaphysical power involves the investment of at
least 50% of the Immortal’s Aura for a span of time
equal to no less than 10% of the year.
The term may specify either public or private
offerings. A public offering requires the Immortal
to make his offering in a place where mortals can
see his sacrifice. A private offering may take place
anywhere in the world. In the latter case the granting
power may dictate a specific location (usually a
wellspring) as the appropriate offering place.
Modifications to Offerings
The exact type of offering required of the Immortal
varies from covenant to covenant. In most cases the
offerings and their various requirements fit into one
of the formats below. The Games Master may, at his
option, decide to alter any of the offering formats to
suit his campaign.
Offering of Blood: The Immortal must sacrifice a
number of hit points equal to 20 x his total number
of victories to the granting power at each part of the
 COVENANTS

offering cycle. If the Immortal offers up his own hit
points this damage heals at a rate of 1 hit point per
day and he cannot receive magical healing to restore
the damage. If the Immortal offers up hit points from
other creatures (willing or otherwise) the creatures
heal normally but lose one point of Constitution
permanently each time they offer up the sacrifice.
governs the luck domain there must be a reasonable
chance the character can turn a profit on the venture
for it to count (e.g. adventuring does not count towards
the time investment). The character must sacrifice at
least 50% of this income each year. Additionally he
must sacrifice at least 50% of any periodic income
(including adventuring income) he earns.

An Immortal who makes an offering of blood from An offering of material may involve coins, gems,
unwilling creatures automatically becomes evil. mundane or magical objects, grain and fruit and just
about anything else of value. Materials not of value
Offering of Magic: The Immortal must sacrifice to the Immortal or that he did not sacrifice some of
his power his time to acquire
to channel cannot form part of the
arcane or Immortal’s offering.
divine energies
to the granting An Immortal who
power for a makes an offering of
period equal to no materials may add his
less than 10% of the year. total number
Each time the Immortal of victories as
sacrifices his abilities he a bonus to his
loses access to the ability Profession checks when
to cast spells but not to determining weekly income.
the class features of all
his mortal spellcasting Offering of Metaphysical
classes for at least one Power: The Immortal must
day. During this time offer up at least 50% of his
the Immortal cannot total Aura to his granting power
cast spells although he for 10% of the year. Each time
may continue to use his the Immortal makes this sacrifice he
Immortal gifts normally. loses access to the sacrificed Aura for
the duration of one day. During this
An Immortal who week he operates as if his Aura total
makes an offering was ½ (rounded down) of his normal
of magic may add maximum.
a bonus equal to +1
per 20 spell levels An Immortal who makes an offering of
sacrificed to his metaphysical power may add a bonus
Spellcraft check to equal to +1 per two Aura points sacrificed
successfully enact the to his Spellcraft check to successfully
offering ritual. enact the offering ritual.

Offering of Offering Cycle: Most offering

Materials: The covenants require the character to
Immortal must spend make his sacrifices at specific times
at least 20% of his of year. Traditional cycles include
time engaged in but are not limited to
activities capable the following:
of generating a
steady profit. Specified Day: The
Unless the Immortal must
granting build up his
p o w e r offering and

87
COVENANTS
make it during a specific ritual time each year. In
the case of magical and metaphysical offerings the
Immortal loses his powers for the entire specified
duration (10% of the year) starting on the day of the
offering.
Seasonal Cycle: The Immortal must make his offering
four times each year, once during the height of each
season. In the case of magical and metaphysical
offerings the Immortal loses his powers for ¼ of the
specified duration (10% of the year) starting on the
day of the offering.
Monthly Cycle: The Immortal must make his
offerings once each month. Most fantasy calendars
have between 12 and 14 months, although some have
as many as 20. Each offering period requires the
Immortal to make a proportional sacrifice. Immortals
who must make magical and metaphysical offerings
try to keep the exact time of their monthly offering
cycle’s secret; these cycles create regular and highly
predictable vulnerabilities the enemy can exploit.
Offering Venue: Unless otherwise specified a
covenant assumes the Immortal may make his
offering in private. However the covenant term may
specify either private or public offerings.
Private Offering: An Immortal may make a private
offering in a properly prepared ritual space (see
below). The Immortal does not require the presence
of any other mortals or Immortals to make the
offering successfully. Private offering rituals often
involve some form of personal abasement, although
particularly powerful Immortals can sometimes
rearrange the ritual to avoid such displays.
Public Offering: An Immortal must make a public
offering in the presence of a specified number of
mortals and/or Immortals of a specific type. Public
offerings usually involve some spectacular display
designed to attract attention to the offering.
The Rites of Offering
It is not enough for the Immortal to make his
offering; he must also make the offering in an
appropriate format and following specific established
conventions. The granting power burns these
conventions into the Immortal’s soul when he accepts
the covenant term. Each time the Immortal makes
his offering he must perform the rituals precisely or
the offering is wasted and he must make an equal
sacrifice again.
88
Both private and public offerings require the
Immortal to prepare a ritual space. Preparing the
ritual space requires at least one hour of work and a
Spellcraft check (DC 20). The Immortal may have
assistance establishing the ritual space — indeed
many Immortals maintain small cadres of experts
solely for this purpose.
Private offerings require the Immortal to make
five Spellcraft checks (DC 20). He must succeed
on at least three of the five skill checks in order
to complete the ritual. The Immortal may receive
assistance from other characters through the aid
another action. These assistants may use any one of
the following skills: Knowledge (religion), Perform
(any) or Spellcraft.
Public offerings require each participant to make a
Perform (any) check (DC 10). Each participant who
successfully makes his skill check may add a +1
bonus to the Immortal’s Spellcraft check (DC 25).
The Immortal only receives one chance to succeed or
fail when performing a public ritual.
The Immortal loses the offering and if appropriate
his abilities for the specified duration regardless of
the ritual’s success or failure. If the ritual fails the
Immortal must attempt to properly enact the ritual as
soon as he possibly can.
Quests
When an Immortal agrees to undertake quests as part
of a covenant he must immediately undertake an epic
quest in addition to the challenge he just completed.
Once he completes this quest the granting power
may, at its option, call upon the hero to perform a
similar quest every decade. These secondary quests
do not count as challenges for the Immortal, although
they may aid or oppose challenges taken by others.
Letter of the Law: I swear, by the powers I wield
and the truth I serve, to undertake (insert quest
condition). When, in the cycle of time, this quest
comes before the world again I will act as a (insert
role) to aid mortals in their struggle to accomplish
the same task.
Spirit of the Law: An Immortal who accepts this
covenant term becomes, in effect, a part of the
universe’s narrative process. He accepts a role as
a hero or villain in the continually unfolding story
the universe tells about itself. Unlike a free-willed
mortal the Immortal cannot choose to change his

role; once chosen he must play out his part regardless
of the personal consequences.
As soon as the Immortal accepts this covenant term
he must undertake the specified quest. He must use
all of the resources at his disposal to complete the
quest. If he fails in his first attempt the Immortal
may, assuming the quest objective still exists, essay
further attempts until he finally succeeds.
Once the Immortal succeeds he becomes part of
the ‘quest cycle’ surrounding all quests similar to
the covenant quest. When a quest following the
same pattern as the Immortal’s appears in the mortal
realm, the granting power may assign him to either
complete the quest or to assist the mortals attempting
it. Once the granting power sets the tone for the
Immortal’s interaction (either direct or indirect) the
Immortal may use all of his powers and resources to
fulfil his role.
In those cases where the Immortal acts as an assistant
the success or failure of his charges determines
whether or not he violates the term.
Modifications to the Quest
The quest represents one of the most flexible and
difficult to categorise of the covenant terms. On
the surface this term covers any single activity the
Immortal may have to execute in order to fulfil his
covenant. However, it also ties the Immortal to the
hero’s cycle and the cycle of time. As history repeats
itself and the world calls for heroes time and time
again, the Immortal takes up his place in the cycle.
The following modifiers apply to each quest term:
Cycle Role: Once the Immortal completes his quest
he takes a secondary role in all future quests of the
same type, as requested by the granting power. The
Games Master may select from among the following
roles:
Antagonist: The Immortal is, himself, the quest’s
target. The world calls forth mortal heroes to defeat
the Immortal’s grand schemes, whatever they may
be. These mortals have an alignment opposite that of
the Immortal. By the rules of the quest the Immortal
cannot use his gifts or Aura to overwhelm the mortals
even if they directly attack him.
Advocate: The Immortal acts on behalf of the questers
in the Immortal and divine courts. He works to bring
resources to them, removes impediments placed in
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COVENANTS
their way by other Immortals and provides council in
the form of dreams or visions to worthy heroes.
Assistant: The Immortal directly assists the questers
through their task. He may not resolve conflicts for
them; instead he provides assistance either through
the aid another action or in other less mechanical
ways. A young Immortal often finds this role
particularly difficult; it is much easier to simply step
in and resolve the problem than it is to watch mortals
bungle the job time and time again.
Impediment: The Immortal makes life difficult for the
questers or supports the quest’s antagonist. Unlike
the antagonist the impediment cannot directly oppose
the questers for any reason. Instead he may either
provide assistance to the antagonist in an indirect
fashion or he may alter the world using his full
powers so that the questers have a more difficult time.
For example, an Immortal with power over the spirits
of wind and water could not just send them to kill
the questers. However he could channel elemental
power into a monstrous storm then unleash that storm
on the questers as part of their quest’s challenges.
Guide: The Immortal provides the questers with
information and directions intended to help them
move from one quest challenge to another. The guide
may only speak to the questers once during each
stage of the quest. After delivering his information
he must wait for the mortals to complete their next
challenge before interacting with them again.
Resource: The Immortal cannot interact with the
questers until they complete a specific stage of
their quest. At that time, the Immortal may give
them resources in measure with their need and the
Immortal’s own abilities. These resources may take
many forms: traditional magical items, material
wealth, mundane assistance, guiding spirits or any
other resource the Immortal and Games Master feel
would assist the questers in some fashion.
Quest Type: Technically the Games Master could
create a nearly endless list of potential quests.
However, for the purposes of the quest covenant
the Games Master should limit himself to the quest
structures presented in the Challenges chapter (pg.
196).
The Hero’s Cycle and the Cycle of Time
When the gods wove the world from nothingness they,
intentionally or accidentally, built in a mechanism by
which the world defends itself. This mechanism,
COVENANTS
called the hero’s cycle, ensures that when forces
rise to destroy the present and the future mortals rise
up to oppose it. These mortals may come from any
background, race or creed. However, they all stand
ready to answer the world’s need, whether they are
conscious of it or not.
As the world continued past creation’s first moments
it established the second cycle: the cycle of time. The
cycle of time governs the distance in time between
invocations of the hero’s cycle. It also ensures that
heroes will be ready for each call by spacing out the
need for them in a relatively ordered fashion.
Taken together these two cycles create a great pattern
in the universe quite pleasing to those allied with
mythic law. Heroes are born, rise to prominence,
take up their appointed challenges and then pass on,
and the cycle begins anew. Everything progresses
steadily forward with minimal change.
When an Immortal accepts a quest covenant he
becomes part of these great cycles. If the Games
Master has detailed the two cycles he may invoke
the character’s secondary role at appropriate
moments. Otherwise, each year the Games Master
rolls 1d10. On a result of one or two he may invoke
the Immortal’s secondary role during that year. Any
other result indicates the cycle of time and the hero’s
cycle have not yet created an appropriate quest.
So long as the Immortal does not violate the terms of
his role he fulfils his duty regardless of the questers’
success or failure. Although it seems counterintuitive
the antagonist role follows this rule as well. In the
antagonist’s case his personal success or failure
matters less in the overall scheme of things than his
obedience to the universe’s rules.
Rituals
The Immortal agrees to enact specific, meaningful
actions at specific times each year. These actions
relate in some fashion to either the world’s mythic
history or to the processes governing the universe.
Failing to properly enact a ritual can have dire
consequences: the seas may turn into blood, ancient
demons from a forgotten time may escape from their
prisons or the sun may lose its flame.
Letter of the Law: In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning, I take
up responsibility for (insert ritual here). If I fail in
this duty the fault, the price and the actions to make it
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right fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world
may demand, up to and including my removal from
the past, the present and the future.
Spirit of the Law: An Immortal who accepts the
ritual term agrees to perform specific actions at
specific times and in a particular fashion. A ritual
may involve some form of offering but this offering
will not reach the level of sacrifice required by the
offering term.
Ritual performance demands exacting attention to
detail. A misspoken word or out of place gesture
can spoil the ritual. In some cases, the Immortal
will have the opportunity to attempt the ritual again.
However, he may not retry rituals that must take
place at a particular time.
When the Immortal improperly performs a ritual
a specific, usually catastrophic, consequence
occurs. The Immortal must take action to correct
the consequence. Failure to do so will result in the
universe taking action to remove the character from
existence. This action begins as seemingly random
events and ends with the character vanishing as if he
never existed.
Once the universe enacts its final sanction the
Immortal is reborn as a 1st level character of the same
name. He does not remember his previous existence.
History rewrites itself so that other beings fill in for
the character in his original history.
Modifications to Rituals
Much like the quest term, the ritual covenant term
represents a wide array of possible actions. Many of
these actions seem completely nonsensical to those
without a proper perception of the universe.
Rather than describing every possible ritual, each
ritual term can take the following modifiers. These
modifiers set the general parameters for the ritual
behaviour; the Games Master and player may flesh
out the exact details between them.
Default Result: When an Immortal fails to properly
perform his ritual it generates a challenge, as per the
rules established in the Challenges chapter (pg. 190).
Overcoming this challenge grants neither a victory
nor experience points for the Immortal, although his
assistants may receive experience points normally.
If the character fails to overcome this challenge
the universe begins to remove him from the past as
described above.

Most ritual default results do not change over time.
Each time the Immortal fails to perform the ritual
properly he faces the same challenge with minor
variations. Rituals associated with the chaos domain
may present a less predictable profile; at the Games
Master’s option chaos-related rituals may create
random challenges when the character defaults on
them.
Location Requirements: Unless otherwise specified
the Immortal may fulfil his ritual obligations
anywhere in the universe. If the ritual must take place
in a specific place it receives a location requirement.
Most rituals with location requirements must take
place in a wellspring (see the Wellsprings chapter, pg.
21). The Immortal cannot properly execute the ritual
in a location other than that specified in the location
requirement; if he cannot reach the location in time
he defaults on this covenant term.
Material Requirements: Most Immortals possess
tremendous resources and so may ignore simple
material component requirements. However, some
rituals demand exotic components capable of taxing
the ingenuity of even the most dedicated Immortal.
These objects rarely have a monetary value; instead
they are difficult to acquire, available only during
specific times of year or exist only in an extremely
limited quantity.
Ritual Cycle: Unless otherwise specified the
Immortal must fulfil his ritual obligation once per
year. If the Immortal fails to perform the ritual
properly he defaults on the covenant term and suffers
the consequences thereof until he gets a chance to
perform the ritual again next year.
The Games Master may modify this default cycle
to one of the following, optional cycles: seasonal or
monthly.
Seasonal Cycle: The Immortal must perform the
ritual four times each year, once during the height
of each season. If the Immortal fails in this duty he
defaults on this term until the next ritual opportunity.
If he successfully performs the ritual at the next
opportunity he restores balance to the universe. This
removes the default result and restores the Immortal’s
victory and gift. However, if he fails on his next ritual
attempt he permanently defaults on this term.
Monthly Cycle: The Immortal must perform the
ritual once each month. Most fantasy calendars have
between 12 and 14 months, although some have as
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COVENANTS
many as 20. The Immortal may safely fail as many as
three rituals a year without incurring a default result.
Each time the Immortal fails in his ritual performance
he suffers the effects of failure until the next month’s
ritual opportunity.
Ritual Difficulty: The difficulty of a ritual depends
almost entirely upon when the Immortal receives it in
his covenant progression. The DC for all skill checks
is shown on the table below:
Victories Required to Difficulty Class of Skill
Gain Covenant Term Checks
1 20
2 23
3 26
4 29
5 32
6+ 35
Performing a Ritual Properly
Performing a ritual properly requires careful
attention to detail, intense focus and some amount of
performance skill. Knowledge of the required words
and techniques also helps. In order for an Immortal
to properly fulfil his ritual obligation he must make
the following skill checks in order:
† Knowledge (arcana)
† Concentration
† Spellcraft
† Perform (any)
† Concentration
The DC for each skill check is determined by the
ritual difficulty modifier. If the Immortal succeeds
on a skill check he gains a +2 circumstance bonus
to the next skill check. He may fail two of the five
required skill checks and still successfully perform
the ritual.
Defaulting on and Atoning for
Covenants
When an Immortal violates a term of the covenant
he ‘defaults’ on that term. Defaulting on a covenant
term carries with it severe repercussions. Once the
Immortal defaults he must make amends through a
process called atonement.
When an Immortal fails to live up the responsibilities
outlined in a covenant term he ‘defaults’ on that term.
While the Immortal is in default he loses the victory
COVENANTS
associated with that term and the gift he gained for
agreeing to abide by it. Unless otherwise specified in
the term description the Immortal must atone in order
to restore his access to the victory and the gift. This
victory loss cannot lower the character’s apotheosis
step.
In order to atone the Immortal must petition
the granting power for a challenge. Successful
completion of this challenge does not gain the
character a victory but it does remove the default.
The Immortal does not gain experience points while
engaging in this challenge.
If the Immortal fails to meet his atonement challenge
he permanently loses the victory and the gift
associated with this covenant term. This loss can
reduce the character’s apotheosis step, forcing him
to take another Great Challenge to advance again.
The Immortal can take challenges associated with
the granting power, although if he fails this second
challenge he may never take challenges related to the
granting power again.
The Covenant in the
Game World
The term covenant describes both a game rules entity
and an in-game agreement between a character and
one of the universe’s great powers. The game rules
describe how the covenant limits the character’s
actions and gives him additional victories through
which he gains Immortal power. These rules imply,
but do not completely describe, the in-game object
that contains the covenant arrangement or provide
the language characters use to refer to it.
In the game world the covenant may have one or both
of the following additional properties: a covenant
name and a physical representation.
Covenant Name
Although the concept of covenants may be new to
a particular campaign they have, in theory, existed
since the dawn of time within the campaign world.
As such, the covenant may have its own name that
describes it to those who know such things.
Each covenant name is unique to it. It may contain
one or more descriptive phrases or blandly designate
the signatories. Characters refer to their covenant
agreements by name, rather than simply saying ‘my
covenant’. Examples include:
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The Compact of the Five Seals and Seven Stars:
is a covenant arrangement between an over-deity and
the mortals he wishes to raise into godhood. The
numbers five and seven refer to the total number of
victories required to gain Transcendence. The five
seals in the name refer to the five rituals the Immortal
accepts responsibility for. The seven stars are the
seven free peoples of the world, each of which has a
separate allegiance term in the compact.
When mortals invoke Immortals who participate in
this covenant they often do so ‘by the power of the
five seals and the seven stars’.
The Covenant of Azoath: is a covenant arrangement
between a lesser evil deity (Azoath) and those
mortals who enter his service. Azoath refers to his
covenant terms as ‘bindings’; his priests invoke
his Immortals through an allegiance by saying ‘I
command (Immortal’s name), thrall of Azoath, by
the bindings laid upon him in my master’s name!’
Companion’s Oaths: is a covenant arrangement
between an intermediate deity of war and his Immortal
servants. When a mortal dies he may attempt to take
the first oath, in which he swears blood and souls to
his new lord. If he succeeds he returns to life as an
Aspirant Immortal, armed with a gift and knowledge
of what lies beyond the veil of death.
Recognising a Covenant Name
When a mortal hears a covenant name he may make
a Knowledge (arcana) or Knowledge (religion) check
(DC 20) to recognise it. If he succeeds he knows
which granting powers signed the covenant and
generally what covenant terms bind the Immortals
who accept it.
Physical Representation
Some covenants exist simply as words spoken by
the granting power and agreed to by the Immortal.
However, most also have some kind of physical
representation or marker. These representations
provide the covenant with some kind of practical
expression as well as recording the terms for
everyone who wishes to see them.
A covenant’s physical representation may take any
form. However, divine tradition indicates that the
following forms are most common: echoing words,
physical mark, tattoos or written documents.

Echoing Words: The words spoken at the moment
of the covenant’s solidification echo forever in
the world. Any mortal or Immortal who stands in
the spot where the Immortal completed one of his
challenges may make a Listen check (DC 15) to hear
exactly what the Immortal said to the granting power
and how it responded to him.
Physical Mark: The formal sealing of the covenant
applied a physical mark to the character. This mark
may be anything from changed eye colour to an
elaborate pattern of scars on the character’s face
or body. Each time the character agrees to another
covenant term he receives another physical mark.
Any character, mortal or Immortal, who sees the
physical marks may make a Knowledge (arcana)
check (DC 15) to recognise the granting power. If
he succeeds at this skill check the character may
continue to make Knowledge (arcana) checks (DC
15) as free actions until he fails one of the checks.
Each successful check reveals one of the Immortal’s
covenant terms.
An Immortal with physical marks cannot hide them
using spells or mundane skills. He may, with a great
expenditure of Aura, be able to temporarily suppress
them with an Immortal gift.
Tattoos: The covenant agreement expresses itself
as an elaborate tattoo on the Immortal’s body. This
tattoo always contains both an artistic representation
of the granting power and the exact letter of the
covenant’s terms. Tattooed covenants tend to move
and shift around the Immortal’s body. They may also
change shape, fade, glow or otherwise react when the
Immortal uses his Aura and gifts.
Any character, mortal or Immortal, who sees the
tattoos may make a Knowledge (religion) check (DC
15) to recognise the granting power. Unlike physical
marks the character cannot deduce the covenant
terms directly from the symbols. Instead, he must
get close enough to read the writing etched into the
Immortal’s skin.
An Immortal with tattoos cannot hide them using
Immortal gifts, mundane skills or spells. The tattoos
always show through whatever effect attempts to
conceal them. They do not, as a rule, show through
normal clothing but will ‘grow’ to cover an exposed
part of the character’s skin. If the character’s
clothing exposes nothing the tattoo grows out over
the clothing, taking the form of embroidery or
etchings as appropriate.
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COVENANTS
Written Documents: The covenant agreement
expresses itself in pictographic or literary form.
This usually means a heavy book or elaborately
constructed scroll, but more elaborate representations
are possible. Some ‘written documents’ take the form
of pictographs on a cave wall, runes carved into stone
tablets or never-healing fire etchings on the trunk of
a great oak tree.
When in the form of a scroll or codex, the written
document consists of exotic papers and strange,
multi-coloured inks. A scroll will have elaborate
ribbon ties and extensive illuminations. A codex
will have heavy covers made of some alien leather,
jewelled bindings and thick parchment pages.
Any character, mortal or Immortal, may read the
contents of a written document. The words shape
themselves on the page so they convey meaning
regardless of the reader’s intellectual abilities. An
extremely intelligent reader (Int 15+) can translate
the words from the covenant into any language he
knows, allowing him to record the words exactly in
another document. This transliterated document does
not covey meaning to every reader but if something
destroys it the Immortal does not suffer any negative
consequences.
Written documents suffer from all the vulnerabilities
of physical objects. If something defaces or destroys
the document the Immortal loses access to the gifts
associated with the covenant until he recreates it.
Should the Immortal choose to destroy the document
he immediately loses all victories, gifts and
apotheosis. He becomes a mortal again, regaining
free will and giving up his Immortal powers.
Skill Bonuses and Covenants
Like taps, a covenant grants the Immortal bonuses to
his Channel and Infuse checks for the gifts associated
with it based on the total number of victories invested
in it. This allows an Immortal character to gain
bonuses to his skill checks without having to take
mortal levels solely for skill points.
For covenants with collective powers the victory
total equals the total number of victories associated
with that specific power. For example, an Immortal
with Animals 3 and Plants 4 has three total victories
associated with Animals and four associated with
plants. Gifts associated with the Immortal’s Animals
covenant do not receive a bonus from his Plants
covenant and vice versa.
COVENANTS

For covenants with deities the victory total equals the
total number of victories associated with all of the
domains the deity can grant, so long as the Immortal
gained them through that deity. The Immortal uses the
total number of victories to calculate the appropriate
bonuses based on what victory and covenant term the
specific gift is associated with.
For example: An Immortal has seven victories
associated with a covenant. The granting power gives
the character domains in Chaos, Good, Protection and
War. He can use all seven of his victories to calculate
his bonus for any of those four domains so long as the
gift came from the same granting power.

The Nature of the Collective Powers

Collective powers present the Games Master with a relatively serious problem. Unlike gods, who have distinct
personalities, the collective powers represent abstract entities or groups of entities that might or might not
directly interact with human beings.

Assuming that mortals cannot ever really know what makes up the collective powers, how do we as Games
Masters present them in the game? We have a nearly infinite number of options, but they mostly fall into one of
the following four categories: abstract representations, fey intermediaries, great spirits and primordial gods.

Abstract representations occur when a mortal mind encounters something it simply cannot comprehend.
In this case the collective power is something entirely alien to mortal existence. The mind tries to come
up with something, anything, to codify the experience. In practical terms each mortal will experience the
abstract representation differently, so the Games Master can pretty much make up anything he likes. Abstract
representations also do not suffer from the bugbear of consistency; the character may experience his granting
power differently each time he interacts with it.

Interacting with the granting power through fey intermediaries bridges the gap between abstract representations
and great spirits/primordial gods. In this case mortals really do not need to know what the collective powers
really are. Instead, they make deals with various fey spirits who intercede with the collective powers on the
mortal’s behalf. The fey have human-like forms and motivations close to the mortal world, so most mortals
deal with them more easily than they do with alien gods. In this case the fey become an important part of the
‘folk traditions’ of the world and druids will spend a good portion of their time dealing with fey spirits.

Great spirits exist a step above the fey spirits. In this case all creatures, from spiders to flowers and on to the
stars, may have a spiritual spark similar to that of mortal creatures. However, taken individually this spark is
not strong enough to communicate with directly. Instead the sparks aggregate into ‘great spirits’ capable of
interacting with mortals. These great spirits represent idealised versions of their source species: giant animals,
plants that can move and talk, stars capable of influencing mortal events, etc. These spirits interact with
mortals in much the same fashion as gods. Druids in a world with great spirits focus strongly on taking totems
and making bargains with the ‘spirits of things’ in return for power.

The power of the primordial gods dwarfs that of great spirits. In this scenario for collective powers the god
responsible for creating a particular collective power (e.g. animals or the moon) still exists in a quiescent
state. All minor spirits associated with the collective power still answer to the primordial god if it bothers to
issue commands. In this case Immortals who wish to petition the primordial god for powers do so by using
challenges to get the being’s direct attention. Druids in a world with primordial gods focus strongly on rituals
and ritual sacrifice, as they must attract their dreaming gods’ attention before their magic can take effect.

All of the descriptions below assume the characters interact with the collective powers through either fey
intermediaries or through collections of the great spirits. However, the Games Master may choose any of the
above options or customise the descriptions to fit his own conceptions of how his campaign world works.

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Granting Powers
and Covenant
Description
The remainder of this chapter contains descriptions
of typical covenants available to characters in most
campaign worlds. The Games Master should feel
free to alter any of these typical covenants in order
to better match his vision of how his gods or other
granting powers operate.
Each description contains the following information:
Name: The in-game name of the domain or granting
power the character binds himself to. This entry
lists alternate names for the granting power in the
parentheses after the name.
Channel Bonus: The bonus the granting power gives
to the character’s Channel checks for gifts associated
with the covenant.
Infuse Bonus: The bonus the granting power gives
the character’s Infuse checks for gifts associated with
the covenant.
Description: A narrative description of the power,
its formation, place in the world and how it interacts
with the abstract, elemental and mythic powers used
to create the universe.
Covenant Table: A table listing covenant terms the
character must agree to as he successfully completes
challenges associated with the covenant.
Covenant Terms: Detailed descriptions of the
covenant terms along with compiled information
about interactions between the terms and potential
problems coming about as a result.
Gift’s Side Effects: Most granting powers strengthen
some categories of gifts and weaken others. Many,
particularly the collective powers, also give bonuses
or penalties to gifts associated with abstract,
elemental or mythic powers.
Effect on Challenges: Most granting powers favour
particular challenge structures.
Common Covenant Manifestations: Covenants
often have preferred physical manifestations. This
entry describes typical manifestations for the
covenant’s granting power as well as giving any
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COVENANTS
unique or special manifestations that accompany
using a gift associated with the power.
Collective Powers
When the gods wove the world they created,
intentionally or not, powers imbued with their own
free will. These awarenesses sprang up long before
mortals awoke to their own lives. However, before
the coming of mortals they had neither voice nor
conscious form. When they heard the elves first form
words they took up their language as their own.
At first mortals mistook these awarenesses for gods.
They worshiped the sun and the moon, invoked
animal totems and called on the power of the
forest for its bounty. In time the true gods revealed
themselves, but by that time the druids already held
an unshakeable place in the societies of the world.
They claimed the gods came to stand between mortals
and the real world; they and their followers continue
to cling to the direct communion with nature even in
the ‘modern’ campaign age.
These powers, often called collective powers by
scholars, represent large groups of spiritual beings
and a conflux of powerful energies. They may have
a single spokesperson or may present themselves as a
council or collection of powers willing to speak with
anyone who properly petitions them. Some scholars
theorise they are the logical result of the mixture of
positive and negative energy when it comes in touch
with the complex systems making up the world.
Scholars theorise that the fey, so-called natural
spirits, arose as these powers began to seek out ways
to express themselves in the world. This may be
true; it would certainly explain why nature spirits
like the fey take on such human-like forms. The fey
often act as intermediaries for the collective powers,
interacting with mortals and Immortals while their
patrons quietly contemplate the unfolding universe.
Animals (Totems; Beasts of the
Air, Land and Sea; Children of
the Earth)
Mortal scholars endlessly debate the place of animals
in the world. Some see them as simple automata,
creatures of instinct without souls who follow the
patterns established for them by the environment
and the gods. Others say these simple creatures also
hold a touch of the divine power granting mortals
COVENANTS

their intelligence. The gods Animals

themselves remain suspiciously
silent on the issue.
Intellectual pomposity aside,
most mortals have long
recognised that animals hold
great power. Some compete
with mortals for space and food.
Others provide mortals with the
materials they need to survive: 7
leather for clothing, fibre for
cloth, bone for weapons and
meat to sustain them through the long winters.
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Commitment: Caretaker of the Fantastic Beasts
2 Nemesis: Indiscriminate hunters
3 Quest: Hunt and Guide
4 Bond: Foster the wilds
5 Allegiance: Druids over 7th level
6 Commitment: Hunter for the Hunted (hunts and kills hunters who
stray too far into the wilderness without proper respect)
Commitment: Guardian of the Wilds
while another may sport goat’s hooves and the body
of a young boy.

In a world filled with magic, animals’ eventual
awakening to their power should have come as no
surprise. Whether mortals made them powerful
through free will or they simply needed something
to show them their strength does not matter. Since
ancient times the power of the animals rose along
with that of mortals, now the two are so intertwined
even the druids cannot say if they can go their
separate ways.
Mortals encounter the power of animals each time
they rely on or struggle against an animal. In those
brief moments they feel their connection with the
world and link to their forefathers’ struggle to harness
it for their descendants.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.

Channel Bonus: +1 per victory Covenant Terms

Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
numen gifts
Description: The power of animals includes within
it all of the living creatures in the world. It connects
the beasts of the fields with the birds in the air, the
fish in the sea with the scuttling things crawling
under the earth. Depending on the campaign world
this connection may be strong enough for them to
communicate with one another or simply a spiritual
connection making them all the same ‘kind’ of
creature.
Immortals allied with the animals gain animal spirits
as servants. They can also draw on these spirits to
grant them powers similar to those of the animals:
enhanced physical attributes, remarkable senses
and a direct connection to the environment. Oddly
they may not gain the ability to speak with mundane
animals. This is because in many worlds the power
of animals comes from the aggregate of all animal
spirits, not from a single animal rooting for grubs in
the forest.
Fey who intercede with the power of animals
combine animal and mortal traits. Each fey assumes
physical characteristics from both categories: one
may have the ears of a donkey and the face of an elf,
The full covenant of animals reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear to place my life in the
service of all the things that walk and leap and crawl
and fly and swim. I place my hand between them and
harm. I place my strength at their call. In return, I
accept their strength as my own.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): On this day, at this time, in light
of the wisdom I have gained, I will take up the
duties of Caretaker of the Fantastic Beasts. I accept
these duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to
discharge them I accept that the consequences rest
on my head.
(Second Victory): In light of the wisdom I have
gained, I will smite those who take from the animals
without need with all the power at my disposal.
While I live they will find neither water nor shade.
No living thing shall sustain then; their crops will
wither in the fields. Their children will die, one by
one, until their future fades into dust.

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(Third Victory): On this day, at this time, I swear, by
the powers I wield and the truth I serve, to undertake
the Great Hunt as directed by the spirits. When, in
the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as a Guide to aid mortals in their
struggle to accomplish the same task.
(Fourth Victory): In light of the wisdom I have
gained, I must create a world in which the wilderness
thrives. I may not allow, through action or inaction,
harm to come to the things fostering the wilderness
and its creatures.
(Fifth Victory): On this day, at this time, I swear to
aid the great druids who have proven themselves in
nature’s service when they call. I will stand between
them and danger; I will lay down my life if I must to
further their cause.
(Sixth Victory): In light of the wisdom I have gained
I take up the duties of a Hunter for the Hunted. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them I accept that the consequences
rest on my head.
(Seventh Victory): On this day, at this time, I take
up the duties of Guardian of the Wilderness. I accept
these duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to
discharge them I accept that the consequences rest
on my head.
Gift Side Effects
By aligning himself with the power of animals the
Immortal gains great insight into their nature. Any
time he uses a gift targeting an animal he gains a +1
bonus per victory associated with this covenant to the
Infuse check.
Effect on Challenges
The power of animals demands that its champions
know how to nurture and hunt for their own lives.
Every odd-numbered victory associated with this
covenant must come from either a challenge of the
hunt or a challenge of life.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The covenant of animals typically manifests as
echoing words spoken in a place where the great
animal spirits sit in judgement over mankind.
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COVENANTS
Moon
The stories of mortal awakening disagree as to
whether the elves first saw the world lit by silvery
moonlight or golden sunlight. The elves fondness for
the twilight and night and their nearly perfect vision
in the darkness, makes other mortals suspect the
former rather than the latter. The elves themselves
remain silent on the issue except to say that it was,
likely, one or the other.
Regardless of the truth, the moon and her moods
figure prominently in the legends of all intelligent
surface-dwellers. She shines down on heroes as they
stand vigil waiting for the dawn. Her light guides
the bold through the shadows and brings visions to
enlightened fools. Dark spirits come out to wreak
bloody havoc when she withdraws behind her veil.
In a world filled with magic, the power of the moon
comes from every creature, rock and plant touched
by her light. She may share her power directly with
a chosen few, but more often she speaks through her
faithful servants.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
attribute gifts
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The power of the moon touches the
lives of every being in the world. It gives out visions
and illusions in equal measure, inspiring art in some
mortals and madness in others. Only the elves and
the fey can live in her light for long; everyone else
must find some degree of shelter lest they lose their
souls forever.
Immortals allied with the moon seem slightly lost in
the shadows she casts. Their connection to her gives
them access to remarkable knowledge, but also to the
dreams collected over thousands of years. Sorting
truth from dreams can take days, even weeks. By the
time the Immortal finds what he seeks the time for
action could well have past.
Fey associated with the moon tend strongly towards
chaos and mischief. Mortals find them difficult to
deal with as it is never entirely clear if they will
remember the bargains they strike. Only elves seem
able to deal with them easily, though that may say
more about elven psychology than it does about the
spirits involved.
COVENANTS
Moon
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Ritual: Monthly rites to the moon (DC 20)
2 Offering: Materials (silver preferred)
3 Ritual: Seasonal rites to the moon (DC 26)
4 Offering: Magic, Monthly
5 Quest: Endurance, Impediment
6 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Monthly
7 Quest: Will, Antagonist
Mortals often associate the moon’s power with
the female principle. They also encounter it in the
form of night time visions and illusions of light and
shadow glimpsed from the corner of the eye. How
the mortal responds to these images depends on his
own personality and beliefs. Many think they come
from the forces of evil, while others look to them for
inspiration and joy.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant of the moon reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear to place my life in the
service of mystery and shadow. Within the Lady’s
light I swear to serve her faithfully, forsaking all other
masters. Her silver light shall guide me through the
night, revealing all that I must know and do.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In accordance with the ancient laws
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the monthly rites of the moon. If I
fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to
make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price
the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, present and future.
(Second Victory): This I swear now, in my mistress’
sight; off all the things I have this silver I offer up
as sacrifice. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given at the
appointed time of the month, I give of my own choice
in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Third Victory): In accordance with the ancient laws
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
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responsibility for the seasonal rites of the moon. If
I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
price the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, present and future.
(Fourth Victory): This I swear now, in my mistress’
sight; of all the things I have this magic I offer up
as sacrifice. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given at the
appointed time of the month, I give of my own choice
in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Fifth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
the truth I serve, to undertake the Test of Light and
Stone (i.e. a challenge of endurance) as directed
by my mistress. When, in the cycle of time, this
quest comes before the world again I will act as an
Impediment to challenge mortals to prove their worth
before they accomplish the same task.
(Sixth Victory): This I swear now, in my mistress’
sight: of all the things I have this power I offer up as
a sacrifice. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given at the
appointed time of the month, I give of my own choice
in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Seventh Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield
and the truth I serve, to undertake the Test of Silver
Flame (i.e. a challenge of will) as directed by my
mistress. When, in the cycle of time, this quest comes
before the world again I will act as an Impediment to
challenge mortals to prove their worth before they
accomplish the same task.
Gift Side Effects
The moon grants her Immortals considerable
lassitude when dealing with numina. All numen gifts
the Immortal uses activate for no Aura cost.
Effect on Challenges
The moon often challenges her champions to face
themselves. One in every three challenges associated
with the moon must be a challenge of the mirror.
Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the moon are inscribed in silver light
on the Immortal’s skin. These tattoos coil and twist
around the character’s body, presenting themselves
to viewers at odd moments when the Immortal
least expects it. They glow faintly at night but dark
clothing provides enough cover for the character to

use his Hide skill normally. The tattoos seep through
the clothing after one hour.
Plants (The Green)
Long before mortals awakened to the world the gods
brought forth the green and growing things. They
leaped across the lands and seas, cloaking everything
in verdant glory. Their abundance could feed a
handful of mortals and all of the animals roaming
the world.
In time mortals began to tame the green just as they
did the animals who lived with it. They cut back
the forests, using the wood for fire and their houses.
They tamed the wild grasses, transforming them into
wheat and barley for bread. The ferns they turned
into bedding and the rushes into cloth and paper on
which to write their version of the world.
Plants, like animals, drink deeply enough of the
world’s magic to take on a small spark of awareness.
Taken individually this dim awareness does not
qualify for the word intelligence. However, plants
rarely exist as individuals. Instead they grow up in
stands, fields and great forests. These larger entities
combine the awareness of each individual plant into a
sentience wholly unlike that of mortal creatures.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
numen gifts
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: The power of plants grows as the
number of plants in an area increases. It also waxes
and wanes with the seasons. In the spring months it
explodes as plants surge forth into life. During the
summer it settles into steady strength, which begins
to fail as autumn’s touch causes the plants to draw in
for the long winter months. Winter is a quiet season
for plants, a time of death and rest as they await
spring’s rebirth.
Immortals drawing their strength from the green
and growing things mirror this seasonal process.
They start new activities in the spring, stay steady
through the summer, draw to an end in the autumn
and tend to hibernate when the world slumbers under
winter’s chill. Other Immortals can try to exploit
this predictable pattern. Those doing so will suffer
from a terrible surprise; the Immortal’s power does
not diminish during the winter so much as it draws
inward. It is best to leave slumbering Immortals
alone, as their reflexive responses may not be as
measured as their more reasoned ones.
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COVENANTS
Plants
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: Foster the green
2 Offering: Blood, Seasonal
3 Commitment: Adversary to the Common
Man (commoners)
4 Commitment: Judge of the Green
5 Allegiance: Druids over 7th level
6 Quest: Life, Resource
7 Ritual: Seasonal
Fey associated with the green speak of the forests and
the plains as if they were living creatures capable of
speech. They live among and in the wildest places,
sometimes even merging with particular ancient and
important plants. Such fey take the ‘encroachments’
of mortals into their domains very seriously. Lone
mortals who stray into these areas will never return.
Groups of mortals, especially well-armed ones, may
survive but will bear forever the nightmares inspired
by ‘trees that walk and roots that stalk’.
Mortals rarely acknowledge the power the green
holds. They are content to live off its bounty, to rip
its wealth from it and to force it to obey their will. On
the rare occasions when it breaks free of their bonds
mortals strike back with fire and fear until they beat it
back into submission.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the green reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, take my stand among the green
and growing things. Their cause is my own, their
needs my first concern. I will do them no harm.
Where flame and steel cut them back I will bring
water and rust to defend them.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In the shade of the Great Tree I
swear I must create a world where the green runs
free. I may not allow, through action or inaction,
harm to come to things fostering the green.
(Second Victory): Of all the things I have this blood
I offer up as a sacrifice. It is mine by right and might;
COVENANTS
no being may dispute my claim. This offering, given
on the darkest day of the month, I give of my own
choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Third Victory): In the shade of the Great Tree I
swear I will take up the duties of Adversary to the
Common Man. I accept these duties as my way and
my life. Should I fail to discharge them I accept that
the consequences rest on my head.
(Fourth Victory): In the shade of the Great Tree I
swear I will take up the duties of Judge of the Green,
adjudicating disputes between mortals and the plant
spirits. I accept these duties as my way and my life.
Should I fail to discharge them I accept that the
consequences rest on my head.
(Fifth Victory): On this day, at this time, I swear to
aid the great druids who have proven themselves in
nature’s service when they call. I will stand between
them and danger; I will lay down my life if I must to
further their cause.
(Sixth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield
and the truth I serve, to achieve the Creation of the
Universal Balm (challenge of life). When, in the
cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as a Resource to assist mortals in their
struggle to accomplish the same task.
(Seventh Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the seasonal rites of the green. If I
fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to
make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price
the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
Gift Side Effects
The plants’ power trembles on the razor’s edge
between quiet and animation. If an Immortal with
this covenant also has a tap into positive energy he
receives an additional +1 bonus per victory associated
with the covenant to numen gifts on all Channel and
Infuse checks.
Effect on Challenges
The green cares little for mortal activities but it does
notice things directly affecting its interests. The first
challenge associated with a covenant with plants
must be a challenge of life or a challenge of power.
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Common Covenant Manifestations
The covenant of plants takes the form of a living
tattoo of a specific plant that grows from the
character’s feet to his hands. This tattoo blossoms
whenever the Immortal uses his gifts or exerts his
Aura in some fashion.
Nations
Whether mortal scholars feel a nation possesses
a spirit or not depends almost entirely on their
allegiance to the current government. Those loyal
to the establishment usually reject the notion, as
it implies that a force other than whatever it is that
raised the current rulers might have a say in the
nation’s destiny. Those who hope for a regime
change support the concept of a ‘national’ spirit, a
construct of the hopes and dreams of all of a nation’s
citizens given strength through the world’s magic.
In worlds where nations do have spirits they tend
to consist of both created and manufactured beings.
The gods planned the created national spirits. They
guard the gods’ chosen lands and may guard the
mortals who live there. Manufactured spirits come
about as magic gives life to the rhetoric spoken by
mortals as they impose order on the rest of the world.
Both sorts of spirits rarely communicate directly
with mortals. Indeed, even manufactured spirits
may resent mortal’s presence as a deviation from the
nation’s ideal state.
When a nation vanishes its spirit may linger on. In
some cases this spirit shrinks into a small fragment
of its former territory. There it inspires the nearby
mortals to remember the old ways and the ancient
glory of the fallen world. Others transform
themselves into ‘spirits of the people’, associating
with a specific ethnic group or race rather than a
place with borders.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 for attribute gifts
Description: The power of a nation cannot be
measured just in terms of its military and economic
might. The greatest nations have something else,
an animating spirit or power, which helps them to
shake off history’s bonds. This power animates the
people’s leaders and protects the land from the worst
natural calamities. In turn this good fortune creates
even more opportunities for the nation, at least until it
comes into contact with another empowered nation.

Immortals tied to a nation rarely leave its boundaries.
If their host nation falls they will lose a tremendous
amount of power, not to mention an important power
base in Immortal politics. Their presence tends to
further reinforce the positive cycle affecting the
nation since a powerful protector can raise even
a weak nation to the status of power in just a few
generations.
Fey rarely associate with national spirits. A nation
spirit created by the gods when they wove the world
might have outsiders as servants if one of the gods
chose it as his personal domain.
Mortals who live within a nation guarded by a
spirit can sometimes feel its presence. They see it
lighting their leaders’ eyes with ideas and witness
its power directly when the land responds positively
to leadership decisions. Most know their land is
somehow special without knowing exactly how or
why.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with a nation reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, take my place as the god-ruler
of this land. Its people I take as my own, its burdens
come to rest on my shoulders. I will guard it with all
the power I hold and none shall take it from me.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): I swear I must create a world in
which <insert the nation’s name here> thrives. I may
not allow, through action or inaction, harm to come to
the things fostering my nation.
(Second Victory): In the presence of the people I
swear that of all the things I have this power I offer
up as a sacrifice in their name. It is mine by right
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
offering, given on the day of our nation’s founding,
I give of my own choice in keeping with the ancient
ways.
(Third Victory): For the people’s well-being I will
take up the duties of Judge of the People, interceding
between them and the gods and in their mortal
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COVENANTS
disputes. I accept these duties as my life and my
way. Should I fail to discharge them I accept that the
consequences rest on my own head.
(Fourth Victory): In my people’s name I will smite
our declared enemies with all the power at my
disposal. While I live they will find neither shade nor
water. No living thing will sustain them; their crops
will wither in the fields. Their children will die, one
by one, until their future fades into dust.
(Fifth Victory): In my people’s name I swear I will
aid them when they call. I will stand between my
people and danger; I will lay down my life if I must
to further their cause. They may make this petition
during the Day of Judgement, when all may come
before me in my seat of power.
(Sixth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
the truth I serve, to achieve an Alliance of Light
(challenge of leadership binding celestials to the
nation). When, in the cycle of time, this quest comes
before the world again I will act as a Guide to assist
mortals in their struggle to accomplish the same
task.
(Seventh Victory): I must create a world in which
my nation’s dominion over the world thrives. I may
not allow, through action or inaction, harm to come to
the things fostering our dominion over the world.
Gift Side Effects
When the Immortal targets a member of his nation
with a gift, that gift costs one less Aura (minimum
one) to activate.
Effect on Challenges
All challenges associated with a national covenant
must improve conditions within the nation.
Common Covenant Manifestations
A covenant with nations manifests as words echoing
in the chamber where the people first raised their
god-king to power.
Stars
If, as legends say, the elves first saw the moon it
is certain their next sight was of the stars’ infinite
canopy. The countless stars shine down upon the
world, bringing with their light songs from distant
places and the possibility of boundless hope. As they
dance through the sky, the stars show mortals just
how far they could go if they only dared to dream.
COVENANTS

At first mortals simply marvelled at the Stars

stars’ beauty. However, these fundamentally Victories Covenant Terms
pragmatic beings quickly realised they could
1 Ritual: Monthly Rites of the Wheel (DC 20)
derive benefits other than personal pleasure
2 Quest: Creation, Resource
from the bright points in the sky. The stars
formed the basis of mortal timekeeping, 3 Offering: Magic, Monthly
allowing mortals to usher in the period they 4 Allegiance: Wizards over 12th level, at night
think of as history. Mortals also turned them 5 Ritual: Seasonal Rites of Heaven’s Vault (DC 32)
into the anchor points for navigation, an art 6 Quest: Insight, Antagonist
that uses the stars as waypoints and signposts 7 Ritual: Monthly Rites of the Spheres (DC 35)
to guide a traveller without any landmarks.
Covenant Terms
The stars may gain their power from the world’s The full covenant with the stars reads as follows:
magic or they may be magic’s source and inspiration.
In either case the stars grant tremendous power to I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
those who wish to ally with them. They also present with the ancient laws, bind myself to the wheel of
a tremendous peril; those who spend too much time stars. I am their representative in the mortal sphere, a
among them may find they can never return to the living conduit for their power and will.
fields they knew.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory victories.
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
numen and power gifts. (First Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
Description: The power of the stars exerts subtle responsibility for the monthly rites of the wheel. If
influence on mortals’ day-to-day lives. In some I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
worlds this ‘subtle’ influence causes nations to to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
rise and fall; in others it is so weak only the most price the world may demand, up to and including my
sensitive minds can detect it. However, the star’s removal from the past, the present and the future.
influence over mortal’s understanding of time cannot
be questioned. After all, without the stars mortals (Second Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
would never have learned to measure the seasons or the truth I serve, to achieve the Creation of a Star
mark the days on a calendar. Sword (challenge of creation). When, in the cycle of
time, this quest comes before the world again I will
Immortals associated with the stars tend to follow act as a resource to assist mortals in their struggle to
a very contemplative life-style. They have ample accomplish the same task.
opportunity to observe the world coupled with
a reserved attitude favouring disengagement. (Third Victory): In the stars’ presence I swear that of
These Immortals often use their own numen as all the things I have this magic I offer up as a sacrifice
intermediaries with the mortal world rather than in their name. It is mine by right and might; no being
dealing with it themselves. may dispute my claim. This offering, given on the
appointed day, I give of my own choice in keeping
The fey associated with the stars come out during the with the ancient ways.
night to observe their masters. They study the stars
looking for signs and portents. Most display a very (Fourth Victory): I swear I will aid the mighty
fatalistic attitude based on their belief that everything wizards, servants of the star’s light, when they call. I
is pre-ordained. Mortals sometimes consult with will stand between my people and danger; I will lay
these fey hoping to divine the future. Unfortunately, down my life if I must to further their cause. They
their understanding of what may happen does not may make this petition during the Day of Judgement,
take into account mortals’ free will. when all may come before me in my seat of power.

An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant (Fifth Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
with a total victory count equal to or less than his and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
total number of victories associated with this power. responsibility for the seasonal rites of heaven’s vault.

102

If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
price the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
(Sixth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
the truth I serve, to achieve an Understanding of the
Seven Spheres (challenge of insight). When, in the
cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as an Antagonist to assist mortals in
their struggle to accomplish the same task.
(Seventh Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take
up responsibility for the monthly rites of the celestial
spheres. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and
the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present and
the future.
Gift Side Effects
The power of the stars is closely allied with magic.
When an Immortal uses a gift associated with this
covenant he gains a +1 bonus to his effective caster
level in any mortal class he holds that can cast arcane
spells for a period of 24 hours. This bonus does not
stack and fades after he casts an arcane spell.
Effect on Challenges
The stars love those who can understand the
universe’s grand design. They increase the DC of
any challenge of insight or wit associated with their
covenant by +4. If the Immortal overcomes these
challenges they grant him a permanent +2 racial
bonus to all Channel and Infuse checks related to the
gift associated with the challenge.
Common Covenant Manifestations
A covenant with the stars typically takes the form
of a scroll written in silver ink. The scroll contains
information about the design used by the gods to
create the universe. Nestled among these arcane
diagrams and cryptic notes an observant reader can
find the Immortal’s covenant terms.
Sun
Regardless of whether mortals first saw the sun or the
moon, it is the sun’s great golden disk they look to
for light, for warmth and for life itself. Without the
sun’s harsh touch the fields become barren and the
streams fouled with weeds. Just its presence on the
horizon can drive the forces of darkness back into the
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COVENANTS
shadows, while its full strength burns even the oldest
evil into harmless ash.
In most mortal religions and in most metaphysics, the
strongest god takes the sun as his principle domain.
From on high he dispenses justice and grants strength
to mortal heroes. However, in many ways this being
is simply the sun’s tenant. Another god can replace
him. The sun’s strength, though, neither waxes nor
wanes; it remains the constant source of light and
warmth in the world.
As with the moon and the stars, the sun’s power may
come from magic or it may be its source. In either
case the sun always embodies the powers of warmth,
health, fire and raw energy. Those who dare to share
in its power become servants of the great fire, beings
of light the likes of which even the gods rarely see.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The power of the sun shapes the world
for both good and ill. Its mixture of fire and positive
energy infuses the world with both life and warmth.
At the same time, when the rain and shadow do not
mitigate its strength, it can burn the land into cinders.
Thus, the sun is both destroyer and giver of life, the
ultimate symbol of mortals’ struggles in the world.
Fey associated with the sun look a great deal like
celestials to unschooled eyes. Their inner light
shines so brightly it can blind those not prepared
for it. Their eyes glow like stars and their skin often
takes on a golden or silvery sheen. These spirits
come out with the dawn and retreat to whatever plane
they inhabit when the sun finally settles down on the
horizon. These solar spirits rarely deal with mortals
but may intercede if they feel a momentary stab of
compassion or guilt.
Immortals who enter into a covenant with the sun
usurp, to one degree or another, a power usually
reserved for the greatest of gods. They wield the
sun’s fire without the god’s permission, a state of
affairs that can lead them into direct conflict with the
celestial heavens. Of course, for those daring enough
to challenge for the light this added danger just adds a
bit of spice to an otherwise predictable situation.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
COVENANTS
Sun
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Ritual: Rites of the Dawn (DC 20), Monthly
2 Offering: Blood, Monthly
3 Ritual: Rites of Midnight (DC 26), Monthly
4 Commitment: Courtier of the Golden Hall
5 Allegiance: Clerics 7th level or higher with the
sun domain
6 Commitment: Minister of the Sun’s Grace
7 Ritual: Rites of Noon (DC 35), Monthly
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the sun reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear to serve the Golden
Hall, its fiery spirit and the power that currently
dwells there. So long as the sun shines I will act in
its service. On the day it finally goes out my own
life ends.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the monthly rites of the dawn. If I
fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to
make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price
the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
(Second Victory): Of all the things I have this
blood I offer up as a sacrifice to sustain the sun’s
bright flame. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given on the
appointed day, I give of my own choice in keeping
with the ancient ways.
(Third Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the monthly rites of midnight. If I
fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to
make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price
the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
(Fourth Victory): For the world’s weal, I will take
up the duties of a Courtier of the Golden Hall,
representing the sun’s interest in the divine court. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them I accept that the consequences
rest on my own head.
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(Fifth Victory): I swear I will aid the great
clerics who serve the sun. I will stand between
my people and danger; I will lay down my life if
I must to further their cause.
(Sixth Victory): For the world’s weal, I will take
up the duties of a Minister of the Sun’s Grace,
governing over a land chosen by the shining hall
itself. I accept these duties as my life and my
way. Should I fail to discharge them I accept
that the consequences rest on my own head.
(Seventh Victory): In accordance with the
ancient law and the rules laid down in the beginning
I take up responsibility for the monthly rites of the
noon. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and
the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present and
the future.
Gift Side Effects
The power of the sun rages with both fire and positive
energy. This combination is particularly destructive
towards Immortals who wield negative energy and
undead of all sorts. When the Immortal targets either
of these two types with a power gift associated with
his covenant with the sun any damage effects are
automatically maximised (as the Maximise Spell
metamagic feat).
Effect on Challenges
The power of the sun demands great faith. The first
challenge associated with this covenant must be a
challenge of faith.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The covenant of the sun manifests as golden symbols
burned into the Immortal’s skin. Any force short of
the sun itself cannot hide these physical marks.
Gods
When the gods wove the universe they deliberately
made mortals with free will. These mortals, they
claimed, would have the ability to choose what
the world would become. They would make the
multiverse in their own image, following in the gods’
own creative footsteps.
That said, they also built into the world rules and
powers of dominion they could use to influence
mortal behaviour. These powers related directly to
their chosen or granted portfolios: the land, the seas,

the sky, knowledge, magic, etc. Over time mortal
scholars codified these dominions into the twenty-
two ‘domains’. Though gods may share control over
a domain they do so only with great reluctance.
Some domains correspond to the abstract, elemental
or mythic powers Immortals tap using the rules in the
Wellsprings chapter. Immortals who accesses these
domains gains a mediated relationship the primal
powers rather than the direct relationship established
through the tap. This mediated relationship grants
the Immortal more flexibility in how he applies his
powers but also prevents him from fully experiencing
the power of direct creation.
Gods may grant power from any domain their
clerics can select as one of their class domains. An
Immortal with clerical levels may accept covenant
terms related to domains he does not have access to
through his clerical class.
Air (Wind, Storm)
The air domain rules over elemental wind, the birds
and the mixture of elemental forces called weather
by the mortals who must deal with its mercurial
effects. The deities who rule over it often divide the
domain into the following ‘portfolios’: winds, storms
and thunder & lightning. All of the portfolios grant
control over elemental wind although the oldest or
strongest god may claim that tool of creation as his
own.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The deities who rule over the air
domain command the power of motion in creation.
They maintain a deathly grip on this tool, but will
sometimes lend a portion of its might to loyal
servants. Any such loan comes with a heavy price;
the winds do not always return once released and the
servant will have to make up for any lose of strength
through his own sacrifice.
Air
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Offering: Magic, Monthly
2 Commitment: Herald of the Winds
3 Allegiance: The granting power’s clerics over 9th level
4 Offering: Material, Monthly (incense preferred), Private
5 Ritual: Binding of the Winds, Monthly (DC 32)
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COVENANTS
Immortals swearing service to the powers of the air
tend to regard the sky’s azure vault with wonder and
reverence. They lack the arrogance to directly seize
elemental wind for their own use. Instead, they leave
the power of creation in the gods’ hands and instead
enjoy the fruits of their lords’ labours.
Mortals look to the lords of the air for protection
from storms and good winds while travelling by sea.
They also pray to them for the nurturing rains needed
to sustain crops. In return for these gifts mortals offer
up the bounty of the earth and hold festivals dedicated
to praising the gods’ names. These offerings and
festivals may or may not attract the gods’ favour but
those who fail to hold them certainly seem to feel
their wrath.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with air reads as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear my fealty to the lord of
the air. I accept his commands as my life’s guides. In
return he offers me the strength to defeat his enemies
and the might to meet my own goals.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): Of all the things I have this, my
magic, I offer up as a sacrifice to the lord of the air.
It is mine by right and might; no being may dispute
my claim. This offering, given on the appointed day,
I give of my own choice in keeping with the ancient
ways.
(Second Victory): In the name of the lord of air I
will take up the duties of the Herald of the Winds,
carrying messages for the gods. I accept these duties
as my life and my way. Should I fail to discharge
them, I accept that the consequences rest upon my
head.
(Third Victory): In my lord’s name I
swear I will aid his mighty clerics when
they call. I will stand between them
and danger. I will lay down my life if I
must to further their cause.
COVENANTS
(Fourth Victory): Of all the things I have this incense
I offer up as a sacrifice to the lords of air. It is mine
by right and might; no being may dispute my claim.
This offering, given on the appointed day, I give of
my own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Fifth Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the monthly binding of the winds.
If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
price the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of the air bind air elementals to their
service. When the Immortal targets an air elemental
with an Infuse check related to an attribute gift he
receives an additional +1 per victory associated with
this covenant bonus to his skill check.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of the air value speed and grace. The first
challenge associated with this domain (not the entire
covenant) must be a challenge of grace.
Common Covenant Manifestations
A covenant with the lords of air usually takes on the
form of a codex written on bird’s wings.
Animal (Beasts)
The animal domain represents a deity’s right of
command over the beasts of the earth, the birds of
the air and the fish of the seas. A deity may choose to
command just one of the types of animals or he may
rule over all of them regardless of where they live.
In either case he can pass on some of his authority to
his designated representative, granting them the right
to command the lesser creatures in return for loyal
service.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 for artefact
powers
Animals
Description: Dominion over the animal
domain gives the deities both the right and Victories
the power to command the lesser creatures. 1 Bond: Foster a world where animals live freely
This right extends to every aspect of their 2 Offering: Metaphysical Power
lives and if need be, their deaths. These 3 Allegiance: The god’s clerics and druids over 9th level
deities also gain a deep understanding of 4 Ritual: Rite of the Common Bond
the animal world and its connection to 5 Commitment: General of the Wild Host
the lives mortals live. On a metaphysical
106
level most of these gods represent one aspect of this
relationship: domestication, the hunt or the terror that
comes when animals rise up to protect themselves
with red tooth and claw.
Immortals who enter into a covenant involving the
animal domain gain access to the deity’s authority.
This authority gives them the right to command
animals, animal spirits and possibly even the great
spirits making up the animal collective power.
However, the authority to command animals does
not necessarily guarantee their respect. An Immortal
who routinely abuses his authority will find the
animals turned against him. Although at first just a
minor nuisance this can become a serious problem if
the beasts stop responding to his commands entirely.
Mortals both fear and respect the animal domain’s
authority. Much of the mortal world could not exist
without the exploitation and harvesting of animals.
Similarly, many mortals would die without access to
the materials gathered through the hunt. They offer
up the bounty of the hunt, grain and their own blood
as sacrifices to persuade the deities to intercede with
the animals and support the ‘natural dominance of
man over beast’.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of animals reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear to place my life in the
service of all the things that walk and leap and crawl
and fly and swim. I place my hand between them and
harm. I place my strength at their call.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
Covenant Terms
 COVENANTS

(First Victory): I agree with my lord that I must

create a world in which animals live freely. I may
not allow, through action or inaction, harm to come
to the things fostering this world.

(Second Victory): Of all the things I have this, my

power, I offer up as a sacrifice to the beasts’ lords.
It is mine by right and might; no being may dispute
my claim. This offering, given on the appointed day,
I give of my own choice in keeping with the ancient
ways.

(Third Victory): In my lord’s name I swear I will aid

his mighty clerics and druids when they call. I will
stand between them and danger. I will lay down my
life if I must to further their cause.

(Fourth Victory): In accordance with the ancient

law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take
up responsibility for the rite of the common bond,
reaffirming the covenant between mortals and the
beasts. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and
the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present and
the future.

(Fifth Victory): In the name of the lord of animals

I will take up the duties of the General of the Wild
Host, leading the legendary animals in battle. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
rest upon my head.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of the animals favour effects that
strengthen animals and magical beasts. When the
Immortal targets either of these creature types with
an Infuse check related to an attribute gift he receives
an additional +1 per victory associated with this
covenant bonus to his skill check.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of beasts favour hunters and others who
understand the balance of nature. The first challenge
associated with this domain (not the covenant as a
whole) must be either a challenge of endurance or a
challenge of the hunt.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The terms of this covenant manifest as scars on the
Immortal’s body. Each scar looks like an injury
inflicted by a legendary animal and carries its own
symbolic meaning.
Chaos
The domain of chaos represents alliance with rather
than dominion over the power of mythic chaos.
After all, no being can truly claim to control chaos.
However, chaos does recognise those deities whose
thoughts brought it into existence during the world’s
creation. These gods, sometimes called the lords
of chaos, can count on mythic chaos for assistance
although they cannot truly trust in its discretion or
timeliness.
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory, +2 for artefact gifts
Infuse Bonus: +0 per victory, +2 for artefact gifts
Description: The deities whose desires formed
into mythic chaos during the world’s first moments
became connected to their unintentional creation
on various levels. They can sense its presence, call
upon it at will and sometimes use it as a tool unbound
by the conventions associated with the other primal
powers. However, this association carries with it a
heavy price. Over time their actions become less
and less predictable as chaos infuses their essences.
Many chaos gods justly earn a reputation for trickery
and dishonesty regardless of their original natures.

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COVENANTS

Chaos world from law’s rigid restraints. If I fail in this duty

Victories Covenant Terms the fault, the price and the actions to make it right
fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world may
1 Bond: Extend Chaos’s Reign
demand, up to and including my removal from the
2 Quest: Conversion, Guide
past, the present and the future.
3 Ritual: Rite of the Broken Bonds (DC 26)
4 Nemesis: Lawful creatures, Indirect strike (Fourth Victory): In my lord’s name I will smite the
5 Commitment: Minister of Confusion creatures of law with all the power at my disposal.
While I live they will find neither shade nor water.
Immortals who accept a covenant with the lords
No living thing will sustain them; their crops will
of chaos do not directly interface with their lord’s
wither in the fields. Their children will die, one by
creation. Instead they ask their gods to intercede
one, until their future fades into dust.
with mythic chaos on their behalf. By going through
an intermediary the Immortal protects himself from
(Fifth Victory): In the name of the lords of chaos I
mythic chaos’ corruption. Unfortunately he also
will take up the duties of the Minister of Confusion,
makes it much less likely mythic chaos will correctly
seeding chaos into the world’s events. I accept
answer his request. For this reason many Immortals
these duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to
prefer to focus this power into manageable artefacts
discharge them, I accept that the consequences rest
rather than trying to petition it every time they require
upon my head.
assistance.

An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of chaos reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear fealty and service to the
lords of chaos. I will obey their whims to the extent
of the law. In return, they grant onto me the authority
to wield true chaos and the power to force it to my
will.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of chaos greatly favour any effort causing
instability or change. The next transformation
spell the Immortal casts after invoking this gift
automatically acts as if the Immortal applied an
Extended Spell metamagic feat to it.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of chaos always demand that some
representation of law, justice or fairness be sullied
during a challenge associated with this domain.
Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenant manifestations associated with chaos can
appear as anything the Games Master chooses, from
mild skin discoloration to the growing of huge horns.
Such is the price for bargaining with chaos.

(First Victory): In the name of the lords of chaos I

must create a world in which chaos’ reign thrives. I
Death
Death’s domain begins when life’s animating power
may not allow, through action or inaction, harm to
finally fails to overcome the end of all things. At
come to the things fostering that reign.
that moment the creature dies, its energy passing on
to sustain the next generation. Creatures with souls
(Second Victory): In my lord’s name I swear, by the
move on to whatever reward the gods created when
powers I wield and the truth I serve, to achieve the
the made the world, while those without them simply
Conversion of Ice to Flame (conversion challenge).
cease. The gods who rule over death claim particular
When, in the cycle of time, this quest comes before
responsibility for these souls as well as the continued
the world again I will act as a Guide to assist mortals
authority to wield negative energy in the pursuit of
in their struggle to accomplish the same task.
their goals.
(Third Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
responsibility for the rite of broken bonds, freeing the

108

Description: Despite what mortals think the lords
of death are not always numbered among those
who helped create mythic evil. Death is simply
one manifestation of the grand cycle maintaining
creation’s balance. Living creatures may hate death
but that puts evil in their hearts, not in the thing they
hate.
Deities who rule over death have the right to claim
living creatures, send spirits back to the mortal realm
as undead, authorise reincarnation and rule over the
world’s afterlife. They lend portions of this authority
to their Immortal servants, usually in a piecemeal
fashion. One servant may gain the right to open
death’s doors, another becomes responsible for
shuttling spirits back from the shadowed realm.
Immortals who enter into an agreement with the
power of death usually do so out of fear. In their
mortal lives they, like all living things, feared death.
Unlike other mortals they took their fate in their own
Death
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Ritual: Rites of Separation, Seasonal (DC 20)
2 Commitment: Seneschal of the Wellspring of Death
3 Offering: Blood
4 Nemesis: Clerics with a healing domain
5 Allegiance: Undead over 15 HD
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COVENANTS
hands. Whatever sacrifices death’s
lords demand cannot be any worse
than that final, personal sacrifice of
the self they claim from every other
being.
Mortals regard the lords of death
with fear and awe. Nothing will
ever convince them of these deities’
benevolence or lack thereof, but
they make their offerings anyway
in the hopes of never seeing them.
At the very least they hope to delay
the moment of their own deaths as
long as possible. In some cultures
mortals also make offerings for
those who have already passed away
in order to lighten their burdens in
death’s shadowed realm.
An Immortal must abide by all terms
in the covenant with a total victory
count equal to or less than his total
number of victories associated with
this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of death reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear fealty and service to the
lords of death. My body, mind and soul I offer freely
to them. In return, I accept their frightful authority
over all that has died and over the gates between this
world and the shaded realm.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for the seasonal rite of separation,
dividing the world of the living from that of the
dead. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the
actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to
and including my removal from the past, the
present and the future.
(Second Victory): In the name of the lord of
death I will take up the duties of a Seneschal
of the Wellspring of Death, governing the
wellspring of their choice. I accept these duties
COVENANTS

as my life and my way. Should I fail to discharge Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
them, I accept that the consequences rest upon my attribute gifts
head. Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory

(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this blood
I offer up as a sacrifice to death’s lord. It is mine
by right and might; no being may dispute my claim.
This offering, given on the appointed day, I give of
my own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Fourth Victory): In my lord’s name I will smite the
clerics who dare to challenge their domain with all
the power at my disposal. While I live they will find
neither shade nor water. No living thing will sustain
them; their crops will wither in the fields. Their
children will die, one by one, until their future fades
into dust.
(Fifth Victory): In my lord’s name I swear I will aid
those undead of sufficient strength and will when
they call. I will stand between them and danger. I
will lay down my life if I must to further their cause.
Description: The lords of destruction are either
impersonal forces ruling over the universe’s gradual
decay or individuals of great passion who try to bend
the process so it targets specific enemies. The former
type tend to avoid entanglements with any of the
mythic powers lest their judgement become tainted.
The latter rise as champions of their chosen causes,
wielding the power to destroy anything standing
against their chosen cause.
Immortals who swear allegiance to the lords of
destruction follow the same dualistic model. They
rise from the ranks of either dispassionate mortals or
those who feel tremendous hate for a specific target.
In either case they take up destruction’s tools with
the intention to inflict vast devastation in the world.
Many earn cultic titles like ‘The Destroyer’ or ‘The
Smiter’ from impressed mortals.

Gift Side Effects Mortals make offerings to the lords of destruction

The lords of death have little ability to heal. Any gift
the Immortal uses to heal himself or another creature
suffers a penalty to its skill check equal to the total
number of victories the Immortal has associated with
the death domain.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of death always demand that at least one
creature die an untimely death during a challenge
associated with this domain.
either to avoid their wrath or to call that wrath down
on their enemies. In both cases the mortals look
to the gods for direct intervention. This creates a
particularly difficult dichotomy: on one hand the
mortal wants destruction’s undivided attention, on
the other he would rather it did not enter into his life
at all. Mortals often find they get the first but not the
second. Invoking the power of destruction may well
achieve the mortal’s ends but the price he ends up
paying far exceeds the result’s worth.

An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant

Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the lords of death manifest as black
tattoos inked into the character’s skin.
Destruction
The destruction domain corresponds to the abstract
power of hate. It rules over the processes that clear
away the old in preparation for the new. In a practical
sense these processes do not have any emotion at
all; they simply exist. However, when mortals
become participants they must stir their hearts Destruction
to drive them in their duty. They simply cannot
bring things to an end; they must feel the cold
fire of hate or the hot fire of rage (righteous or
otherwise) to take their place in the universal
cycle.
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of destruction reads
as follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear fealty to the lords of
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Commitment: Adversary of Mortal Works
2 Offering: Materials
3 Quest: Creation Reversed, Advocate
4 Commitment: Minister of Decay
5 Nemesis: Experts with 14+ ranks in a Craft skill

110

destruction. Where they command I will go, to the
four corners of the world or the worlds beyond. In
return I accept their mighty sword into my right hand,
to strike down all the things that stand in my way.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In the name of the lord of destruction
I will take up the duties of a Adversary of Mortal
Works, laying waste to mortal efforts where I find
them. I accept these duties as my life and my way.
Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
(Second Victory): Of all the things I have this wealth
I offer up as a sacrifice to the lord of destruction. It
is mine by right and might; no being may dispute my
claim. This offering, given on the appointed day, I
give of my own choice in keeping with the ancient
ways.
(Third Victory): In the service of destruction, by the
powers I wield and the truth I serve, I swear to achieve
the Destruction of the Sun’s Great Shield (destruction
challenge targeting a Sun domain artefact). When, in
the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as an Advocate to assist mortals in
their struggle to accomplish the same task.
(Fourth Victory): In the name of the lord of
destruction I will take up the duties of a Minister of
Decay, sewing destruction into every item forged by
mortal hands. I accept these duties as my life and my
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
(Fifth Victory): In my lord’s name I will smite those
who dedicate themselves to the creation of mortal
works with all the power at my disposal. While I
live they will find neither shade nor water. No living
thing will sustain them; their crops will wither in the
fields. Their children will die, one by one, until their
future fades into dust.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of destruction favour effects capable of
dealing great damage. When the Immortal uses his
Infuse skill to activate a power gift to deal damage he
gains a bonus equal to his total number of victories
associated with this domain.
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COVENANTS
Effect on Challenges
The Immortal may not try to associate a victory with
the destruction domain if it came from a challenge of
creation.
Common Covenant Manifestations
A covenant with the lords of destruction usually
manifests as a set of stones deeply carved with arcane
runes.
Earth
The domain of earth extends over all of the things
comprised primarily of elemental earth. This
includes the fertile fields, the great mountains and
even cities shaped from the earth’s stony bones.
Those who rule over earth and stone can shape it to
their will or command the creatures born of it. In
extremes they wield the power to cause mountains
to rise or whole kingdoms to sink so the waters will
finally overcome them.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 to power gifts
Description: The lords of earth either natively hold
the right of command over elemental earth or have
taken it from some other unfortunate being. This
right allows them to wield one of creation’s six
tools, the elemental force that provides structure and
stability to the universe.
Immortals who make an agreement with the lords
of earth gain a portion of this authority. The stone
hears their words and will respond if it can. They
can feel the earth’s breath and its strong steady
weight supporting the entire world. Many develop
a connection with the animated spirits of elemental
earth; these elementals provide the Immortal with
steady assistance in return for the opportunity to
explore the wide realms.
Mortals rarely deal directly with those gods who
count the earth in their portfolio. However, mortals
who live close to volcanoes or in areas subject to
constant earthquakes may offer occasional sacrifices
to the ‘chthonic gods’ just to avoid their wrath.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
COVENANTS

Earth Gift Side Effects

Victories Covenant Terms The powers of earth greatly enhance effects
1 Quest: Endurance, Antagonist increasing damage resistance or reducing
movement. Any gift granting or inflicting either
2 Commitment: Guardian of the Mountain Heart
of these effects the Immortal uses has its Aura
3 Offering: Material, Private
cost reduced by one to a minimum of one.
4 Commitment: Guardian of the Mountain Home
5 Bond: Extend the reach of earth Effect on Challenges
Covenant Terms The lords of earth favour endurance challenges.
The full covenant with the lords of earth reads as Immortals who take a challenge of endurance
follows: and agree to dedicate that challenge to their earth
covenant gain XP for the challenge activities.
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear fealty to the lord of the Common Covenant Manifestations
earth. I place myself and my power at his disposal, A covenant with the earth manifests as various parts
my life laid down to answer his need. From him I of the character’s body turning into stone. Most
take the strength to do the tasks he gives and the will mortals can easily recognise these physical marks,
to do what must be done. although a few might mistake the character for an
earth elemental of some sort.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
Evil
When the gods wove the world their greed and
(First Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
lust took on substance in the form of mythic evil.
the truth I serve, to achieve the Seven Dreamless
This evil became a corrupting force that, in time,
Nights (challenge of endurance). When, in the cycle
consumed its creators. With each god who fell
of time, this quest comes before the world again I
mythic evil’s strength increased. Now it reigns
will act as an Antagonist to challenge mortals in their
as one of the great powers of the universe, a dark
struggle to accomplish the same task.
warning to the gods that even they cannot foresee all
of their actions’ consequences.
(Second Victory): I will take up the duties of a
Guardian of the Mountain Heart, defending the
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
mountains from those who would delve too greedily
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory, +3 per victory for
and too deep. I accept these duties as my life and my
numen gifts
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
Description: The lords of evil count among their
number both those gods who accidentally created
(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this wealth
mythic evil and those gods who fell to its corrupting
I offer up as a sacrifice to the lord of earth. It is mine
influence. It promises them incredible power, but in
by right and might; no being may dispute my claim.
the end evil always takes more than it gives. Even
This offering, given on the appointed day, I give of
the gods who think they rule it must tread cautiously
my own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
when they invoke its power lest it consume them.
(Fourth Victory): I will take up the duties of a
Immortals who swear allegiance to one of evil’s lords
Guardian of the Mountain Home, defending the
are evil themselves but retain enough good sense to
bastions of stone from those who would exploit them.
not wish direct contact with mythic evil. They enjoy
I accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
wielding power not feeling it consume their souls
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
piece by bloody piece. Through their lords they gain
rest upon my head.
a taste of evil’s strength without running that risk.
(Fifth Victory): I must create a world in which
Mortals who deny mythic evil’s existence happily
earth’s drive to overturn the balance of elements
acknowledge the lords of evil. Where they cannot
thrives. I may not allow, through action or inaction,
believe in something abstract like a ‘force of evil in
harm to come to the things fostering that goal.
the universe’ they can understand the idea of actively

112
 COVENANTS

malevolent gods. Some mortals approach these

beings with the hope of gaining power; most shun
them as dangerous creatures whose attention they
must avoid at any cost. In a bit of irony, many
mortals blame these dark gods for the evil they
harbour in their hearts rather than accepting the
terrible truth that they have the freedom to choose
good or ill of their own accord.

An Immortal must abide by all terms in the

covenant with a total victory count equal to or
less than his total number of victories associated
with this power.

Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of evil reads as
follows:

I, <insert the character’s name here>, in

accordance with the ancient laws, swear my
soul to the lord of evil. Should I fail them in
any task I am forfeit. Should I do as I am bid, I
will rise high in his service, to stand at his right
hand when his dominion encompasses all that
ever will be.

The Immortal adds additional terms as he

gains victories.

(First Victory): Of all the things I have this

blood I offer up as a sacrifice for the glory of my lord.
It is mine by right and might; no being may dispute
my claim. This offering, given on the appointed day,
I give of my own choice in keeping with the ancient
ways.
(Second Victory): For my own glory I must create a
world in which evil’s reign thrives. I may not allow,
through action or inaction, harm to come to the things
fostering that goal.
(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this, my
power, I offer up as a sacrifice for the glory of
my lord. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given on the
appointed day, I give of my own choice in keeping
with the ancient ways.
(Fourth Victory): In my lord’s name I will smite
good’s champions with all the power at my disposal.
While I live they will find neither shade nor water.
No living thing will sustain them; their crops will
wither in the fields. Their children will die, one by
one, until their future fades into dust.
(Fifth Victory): I will take up the duties of a General
of the Blood Horde, leading my lord’s armies in
battle. I accept these duties as my life and my way.
Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.

Evil Gift Side Effects

Victories Covenant Terms
1 Offering: Blood
2 Bond: Further Evil’s Reign
3 Offering: Metaphysical Power
4 Nemesis: Good characters over 9th level
5 Commitment: General of the Blood Horde
The lords of evil do not allow their servants to
consort with good. An Immortal with even a single
victory associated with the evil domain cannot take
any numen power calling a good spirit.

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COVENANTS
Effect on Challenges
The lords of evil do not care what kinds of challenges
their servants undertake, so long as they do not grow
powerful enough to challenge the lords directly.
They always interfere with their servant’s Great
Challenges, increasing the difficulty of all DCs by
at least +2.
Common Covenant Manifestations
An evil covenant will generally take the form of a
contract written in the Immortal’s blood. Usually
this is written on parchment made from human skin.
Fire
The domain of fire encompasses everything from
candlelight to the ravaging forest fire’s ruddy blaze.
The lords who rule over it gain access to one of
creation’s great tools and to the power to initiate
transformations in everything that is, was or ever
will be. However, they also become responsible for
controlling elemental fire so that it does not reach out
to consume the world. Unlike almost all of the other
domains, it is not entirely clear whether dominion
over fire is more of a curse than a blessing.
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory, +3 per victory for
power gifts, +1 per victory for numen gifts
Description: The lords of fire can, in theory,
command the power that loosens elemental bonds.
However the nature of fire makes it an unwilling
servant. The gods who claim dominion over
elemental fire spend as much of their time restraining
their ‘servant’ as they do wielding it for their own
ends. Fire’s mercurial nature makes it especially
difficult to deal with; an agreement made with it at
one moment could become void the next.
Immortals serving the lords of fire rely on their lord’s
dominion to keep elemental fire in line. They bind
it with their lord’s name and wield it, in theory, for
his greater glory. Even at this remove fire makes a
very dangerous servant. It can easily slip any bonds
the Immortal places on it, reaching out to destroy
Fire
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Quest: Conversion, Assistant
2 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Private
3 Ritual: Raise the High Fire, Seasonal (DC 26)
4 Commitment: Courtier to the Nine Flames
5 Allegiance: The god’s clerics over 7th level
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and change indiscriminately. This unpredictability
makes fire an unwitting servant of mythic chaos even
though the two rarely interact directly.
Mortals revere and fear the lords of fire. They offer
thanks and praise to those gods who harness fire
for mortal use. At the same time they make blood
offerings to the gods who hold the wild flames in
check, least they let them slip causing the fields
come alight. Most of the ‘gentle’ lords of fire gain
adherents from among smiths and others who use fire
to make tools.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of fire reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws and in the light of the fire that
burns in the centre of the world, swear to use my life
as kindling for the true flame. I will hold high the
flame that melts steel and sparks the storm, I will
raise the fires to the heavens to remind the others of
what will come.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
the truth I serve, to achieve the Transformation of
Stone to Flame (challenge of conversion). When, in
the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as an Assistant to aid mortals in their
struggle to accomplish the same task.
(Second Victory): Of all the things I have this,
my power, I offer up as a sacrifice for the glory of
my lord. It is mine by right and might; no being
may dispute my claim. This offering, given on the
appointed day, I give of my own choice in keeping
with the ancient ways.
(Third Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I
take up responsibility for raising the high fires,
thereby reminding the gods of flame’s pure truth.
If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the
actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present
and the future.

(Fourth Victory): I will take up the duties of a
Courtier of the Nine Flames, standing by my lord’s
side to offer such advice and counsel as I can. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
rest upon my head.
(Fifth Victory): In the name of the lord of fire, I
swear I will aid my lord’s faithful servants when they
call. I will stand between them and danger. I will lay
down my life if I must to further their cause.
Gift Side Effects
The powers of fire favour those who wish to unlock
its secrets. An Immortal receives an additional +1
bonus per victory associated with this term when he
makes skill checks associated with the Dominion
over Elemental Fire gift.
Effect on Challenges
Lords of fire enjoy tormenting their servants to see if
the individual can prove his worth. They expect their
servants to undergo at least one challenge of will
each apotheosis step.
Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the lords of flame manifest either as
shining tattoos of living flame emblazoned on the
Immortal’s body or as words of flame carved into
stone tablets.
Good
When the gods wove the world their generosity and
compassion took on substance in the form of mythic
good. Many of the so-called lords of good come
from among those gods who felt these emotions most
strongly. A handful of others recognised mythic
good’s strength and bound themselves too it for
moral or personal reasons. In either case they can
call on mythic good’s power in times of need. They
also typically command legions of spirits formed
when mythic good came into contact with life’s
animating power.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory, +3 for numen gifts
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: The lords of good do not so much
rule over mythic good as accept it as an ally. They
believe in the strength gained through compassion
and the power created by beings as they work for
the common will. Unlike mortals they recognise the
fundamental discordance inherent in good: the more
COVENANTS
Good
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: Support the common good
2 Commitment: Guardian of the Golden Halls
3 Nemesis: All evil creatures over CR 8
4 Nemesis: All evil characters over 9th level
5 Allegiance: All good clerics over 15th level
a person gives up for the true welfare of others the
more he draws on good’s strength for his own ends.
Among gods this understanding leads to behaviour
mortals consider insane; among mortals it can lead to
madness or sainthood.
Immortals swearing to serve the lords of good
usually come from the ranks of those who considered
themselves holy in their mortal lives. In life they
chose good as an exercise of free will. Now, as they
move towards apotheosis, these Immortals slowly
come to understand the pervasive strength mythic
good exerts on the world. They see the sparks of
light a mother generates when she sets aside her
share of her food for her children or that a boy sends
up to the heavens when he takes a moment to comfort
a stranger. This perception eventually binds the
Immortal just as tightly as if he served mythic good
directly. In the end, he does only what he must do in
order to support the common good regardless of its
effect on himself.
Mortals dislike the thought of mythic good almost as
much as they despise the idea of mythic evil. They
want to believe each act of compassion and generosity
reflects their own choices. That it could both reflect
on them and strengthen some abstract cosmic force
simply does not occur to them. Most mortals claim
at least nominal allegiance with the lords of good,
though their actions might differ radically from what
those lords would like.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of good reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, place my life on the altar of the
light. I accept service in the golden halls and bind
myself now and forever to the cause of the Shining
Host. I stand between the shadow and the light and
will let no darkness pass.
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COVENANTS
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In the name of the world’s future
glory I must create a world in which the common
good takes precedence over all else. I may not allow,
through action or inaction, harm to come to the things
fostering that goal.
(Second Victory): I will take up the duties of a
Guardian of the Golden Hall, defending such holy
ground as my lord may command. I accept these
duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to
discharge them, I accept that the consequences rest
upon my head.
(Third Victory): To defend the common good I will
smite the creatures of darkness with all the power at
my disposal. While I live they will find neither shade
nor water. No living thing will sustain them; their
crops will wither in the fields. Their children will
die, one by one, until their future fades into dust.
(Fourth Victory): To defend the common good I
will smite evil’s champions with all the power at my
disposal. While I live they will find neither shade nor
water. No living thing will sustain them; their crops
will wither in the fields. Their children will die, one
by one, until their future fades into dust.
(Fifth Victory): By the light at the centre of the
world I swear I will aid the mighty mortal servants
of the Shining Host when they call. I will stand
between them and danger. I will lay down my life if
I must to further their cause.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of good do not allow their servants to
consort with evil. An Immortal with even a single
victory associated with the good domain cannot take
any numen power calling an evil spirit.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of good require their Immortals to
assist one another. The Immortal must act as Healing
an assistant on at least one other Immortal’s Victories
challenge at each step of apotheosis.
1 Allegiance: Any creature suffering from a disease
Common Covenant Manifestations 2 Ritual: Rite of the Newborn World (DC 23)
The lords of good typically record their
3 Offering: Blood, Monthly
covenants in silver lettering on golden
4 Commitment: Caretaker of the Lost Children
parchment. The Immortal may keep this
document, as a reminder of his binding oath and 5 Quest: Life, Advocate
obligation.
116
Healing
Dominion over healing comes from absolute
understanding of the harmonious balance of the two
energies and the four elements in all creatures. The
lords of healing use this knowledge to restore that
balance although they can use it offensively as well.
They can fan the flame of life back from the brink of
death but cannot reclaim a soul once it passes into the
shadowed land.
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory, +3 per victory for
artefact gifts
Description: The lords of healing gain access to
information detailing the balance of elements in
all living creatures. With this knowledge they go
forth to repair the ravages time and motion inflict
on all things. How they learn this information varies
from lord to lord: some learn it during an exhaustive
apprenticeship while others know it because they
helped create the creatures in the first place.
Immortals serving the lords of healing gain limited
access to the lord’s knowledge and skills. The lord
instructs the Immortal and fashions tools suitable
to his limited understanding. Over time, as the
Immortal becomes more and more skilful these tools
gain in strength and subtlety.
Mortals call on the lords of healing to cure anything
from a minor injury to death. Unfortunately mortal
healing amounts to little more than the brute
application of positive energy to an injured area. This
brute force approach can have remarkable effects
but inevitably damages the organism over time. It
also addicts the creature to constant applications
of ever-greater amounts of positive energy. Some
deities theorise this subtle addiction explains so-
called ‘adventuring’ behaviour in mortal heroes; they
simply cannot resist the temptation to get their next
‘fix’ of healing power.
Covenant Terms
for more than seven days, once per year

An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of healing reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear allegiance to the lord of
healing. I place my life in his gentle hands. Where
he commands I will go, to offer such comfort as I am
able.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): For mercy’s sake I swear I will aid
those afflicted with incurable disease when they call.
I will stand between them and danger. I will lay
down my life if I must to further their cause.
(Second Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take
up responsibility for rite of the newborn world,
commemorating the day the world came into being.
If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
price the world may demand, up to and including my
removal from the past, the present and the future.
(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this, my
blood, I offer up as a sacrifice for the glory of my
lord. It is mine by right and might; no being may
dispute my claim. This offering, given on the
appointed day, I give of my own choice in keeping
with the ancient ways.
(Fourth Victory): I will take up the duties of a
Caretaker of the Lost Children, guarding those
orphaned by war until the day of their maturation. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
rest upon my head.
(Fifth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield
and the truth I serve, to achieve the Rebirth of the
Wrongfully Slain (challenge of life). When, in the
cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as an Advocate to assist mortals in
their struggle to accomplish the same task.
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COVENANTS
Gift Side Effects
The lords of healing impede those who would try
to hurt others. Any gift the Immortal uses to harm
another creature suffers a penalty to its skill check
equal to the total number of victories the Immortal
has associated with the healing domain.
Effect on Challenges
The gods of healing favour challenges that cure
diseases and wounds. Each challenge will require
the healing of a large group of victims or the curing
of a potent disease.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The covenant of healing takes the form of a seal or
talisman, often bearing the god’s holy symbol.
Knowledge
The domain of knowledge covers everything that
has ever been or exists at the current moment. It
contains all of the wisdom mortals created through
the ages, the knowledge the gods have of the world
and the truths both would rather ignore. Both also
regard those who serve at knowledge’s altar with
considerable suspicion. After all, they know things
men and gods were not meant to know.
Channel Bonus: +2 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory
Description: The few lords of knowledge spend their
time in detailed investigations of the universe. They
maintain extensive records detailing every event in
the past and constant scrying to discover even events
occurring in the present. From this information they
hope to find clues about what may happen in the
future. These lords may use this knowledge for good,
for ill or for some unknowable goal of their own.
Immortals sworn to the lords of knowledge generally
spend a large amount of time acting as errand boys.
They are their lord’s hands and eyes and ears in the
world. They seek out hidden things, expose secrets
and follow the consequences of specific actions down
through the centuries. Sometimes their lord confides
the importance of their work with them. More often,
the Immortals simply do as their lord commands and
trust in his judgement. As they gain knowledge of
their own the Immortals may begin to see the shape
of their lord’s needs and learn to anticipate what he
will ask them next.
COVENANTS

Knowledge I give of my own choice in keeping

Victories Covenant Terms with the ancient ways.
1 Ritual: Writing in the Sands of Time (DC 20)
(Fourth Victory): In order to
2 Commitment: Sage to the Divine Court
extend our knowledge of all that
3 Offering: Magic is I swear I will aid those who
4 Allegiance: Clerics with the knowledge sphere over 5th level, whole-heartedly serve the lords of
forbidden to provide magical or material assistance knowledge whenever they call. I
5 Commitment: Judge of the Nine Spheres will give them such aid and comfort
as I can, but will not use my power
Mortals acknowledge the lords’ existence without
or wealth to intervene in their affairs. I will stand
necessarily feeling comfortable with them. The
between them and danger. I will lay down my life if
lords of knowledge keep many secrets mortals would
I must to further their cause.
rather have forgotten forever. In some cultures
mortals make offerings to them for information; in
(Fifth Victory): For my lord’s glory I will take up the
others, they offer up anything they can think of to
duties of a Judge of the Nine Spheres, adjudicating
keep their secrets safe.
conflicts between the planes. I accept these duties as
my life and my way. Should I fail to discharge them,
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
I accept that the consequences rest upon my head.
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of knowledge grant the Immortal a bonus
Covenant Terms
equal to the number of victories associated with this
The full covenant with the lords of knowledge reads
term to any Infuse check used to scry around an
as follows:
infused object.
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, place myself in the service of Effect on Challenges
the great lords who know all things. Their duties are The lords of knowledge favour challenges of insight
my duties; their oaths I will fulfil. and wits. Their servants may retry one part of a
challenge of insight or a challenge of wits if doing so
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains would allow them to pass the challenge.
victories.
Common Covenant Manifestations
(First Victory): In accordance with the ancient Covenants with the lords of knowledge take the form
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take of a codex with heavy leather covers. The terms of
up responsibility for writing in the sands of time, the agreement are laid out within the codex in golden
recording all that has occurred in the year before. If ink on parchment.
I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions
to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever
price the world may demand, up to and including my
Law
The domain of law represents alliance with rather
removal from the past, the present and the future.
than dominion over the power of mythic law. The
so-called ‘lords of law’ manage their relationship
(Second Victory): For my lord’s glory I will take up
with the mythic power they accidentally created very
the duties of a Sage of the Divine Court, answering
carefully least it turn on them as well. Over time they
such questions as gods and Immortals may pose. I
become more and more rigid in their own thinking
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
as their creation seeps into them, eventually causing
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
them to resist all change entirely even if they had a
rest upon my head.
hand in setting the world in motion.
(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this, my
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory, +2 per victory for
magic, I offer up as a sacrifice for the glory of my lord.
attribute gifts
It is mine by right and might; no being may dispute
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
my claim. This offering, given on the appointed day,
attribute gifts

118

Description: The lords of law draw their numbers
either from the gods whose intentions formed mythic
law or from those who agreed to its rigid terms in
return for a share of its power. They value conformity
and stability over the constant change implicit in the
world’s design. For some this comes from a deep-
seated desire to preserve what they already have. In
others it stems from a fear of what the future might
bring.
Immortals who serve the lords of law hold stability
and consistency in high regard yet fear the absolute
stasis implied in mythic law. They obey their lord’s
commands and foster stability in the world but do not
have to deal with the incredible rigidity the abstract
force enforces on their masters. To some extent this
makes the lords of law rely heavily on their Immortal
agents. The Immortals can change and adapt, while
the lord himself might face constraints so tight he can
no longer deal with the ambiguity of mortal affairs.
Mortals usually regard law’s lords as stodgy but
highly necessary gods responsible for holding
up traditions. The power elite often take them as
patrons while the underclass and outcaste treat them
as enemies. Not surprisingly, when a mortal rises
up in the social ranks he tends to switch allegiance.
Correspondingly, mortals who fall out of the highest
ranks tend to swear their lives to those who can help
them restore their fortunes.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of law reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, place my hand on the heart
of the star and swear to serve the lords who live in
accordance with the law. So long as they serve that
force greater than us all I will remain their loyal
servant. I accept such duties as they, within their
Law
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: lawful conduct
2 Nemesis: Chaotic creatures over CR 5
3 Quest: Conversion, Advocate
4 Commitment: Judge of the Heavens
5 Nemesis: All clerics with the chaos domain
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COVENANTS
roles as the lords of law, command of me unless
such duties conflict with the greater role of law in
this world.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In the name of the stability from
which all hope springs I must create a world in
which lawful conduct flourishes. I may not allow,
through action or inaction, harm to come to the things
fostering that goal.
(Second Victory): To create a world where all may
know the glory of the law I will smite evil’s creatures
with all the power at my disposal. While I live they
will find neither shade nor water. No living thing
will sustain them; their crops will wither in the fields.
Their children will die, one by one, until their future
fades into dust.
(Third Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield
and the truth I serve, to achieve the Salvation of the
Tainted (challenge of chaos). When, in the cycle of
time, this quest comes before the world again I will
act as an Advocate to assist mortals in their struggle
to accomplish the same task.
(Fourth Victory): In the name of the glorious future
I will take up the duties of a Judge of the Heavens,
adjudicating conflicts between the gods. I accept
these duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to
discharge them, I accept that the consequences rest
upon my head.
(Fifth Victory): To save the world from devastation
I will smite those fools who choose to sacrifice
their souls to chaos’ taint with all the power at my
disposal. While I live they will find neither shade nor
water. No living thing will sustain them; their crops
will wither in the fields. Their children will die, one
by one, until their future fades into dust.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of law frown upon any effort to consort with
non-lawful forces. Any numen gift the Immortal uses
that calls upon a non-lawful spirit has its maximum
allowed Aura investment reduced by two.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of law favour challenges met in an orderly
fashion. Each step the Immortal successfully meets
gives the character an additional +1 bonus to the final
COVENANTS
task. However, if he fails even one step he loses all of
the bonuses gained for the final task resolution.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The lords of law scribe their covenants into their
servant’s bodies as tattoos resembling latticework
or chains.
Luck
When the gods wove the world they knew it would
have to change in order to remain viable. The desire
for change became the source of mythic chaos. The
mechanics of change, of random chance and even
the possibility of directed chance, became the power
mortals refer to as luck.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: Contrary to mortal belief the lords of
luck do not all enter into alliances with mythic chaos.
Some certainly do but others take up luck’s reins
for other reasons. A few lords of luck even align
themselves with mythic law, contending that some
directed change is an intended part of the universe.
Immortals who serve luck’s lords usually wish to
harness luck’s power for their own use. They use
their lord’s power to put a careful thumb on the
universal scales, twisting events to suit their own
whims. Oddly, more chaotic Immortals serve luck
than chaotic deities; mortals who wish to touch
luck’s power tend towards a more chaotic than lawful
alignment. They may also become highly fickle
over time, though this might be as much from their
exposure to constant petitions as any inherent aspect
of luck’s power.
Mortals regard luck as both a privilege and a curse.
They believe it should support their every endeavour
while realising it will sometimes turn against them.
Heroes are particularly notorious for this behaviour;
they think luck will come to their rescue every single
time. Of course, living heroes usually do not have
a situation in which luck deserted them to compare
their normal fortune too. Their first lesson in such
matters is typically their last.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
120
Luck
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: Encourage the taking of risks
2 Allegiance: Gamblers down on their luck,
indirect aid
3 Offering: Material (gambling earnings)
4 Ritual: Breaking the Chains (DC 32)
5 Commitment: Fool to the Heavens
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of luck reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear by the moon and the
stars to serve the lords of luck and their great Lady
for so long as they will have me. Whatever they need
from me I will provide; in return they will give me
all that I need. Together we will make a world where
destiny cannot shackle mortals’ fates.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In freedom’s name I must create
a world in which mortals’ freedom to take risks
flourishes. I may not allow, through action or
inaction, harm to come to the things fostering that
goal.
(Second Victory): In the name of the Lady I swear I
will aid those mortals who risk their fortunes and fail
when they call. I will not directly interfere with their
lives. I will stand between them and danger. I will
lay down my life if I must to further their cause.
(Third Victory): Of all the things I have this, the
wealth I have won from others, I offer up as a
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Fourth Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take
up responsibility for the breaking of the chains,
shattering destiny’s hold on mortals. If I fail in this
duty the fault, the price and the actions to make it
right fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world
may demand, up to and including my removal from
the past, the present and the future.
 COVENANTS

(Fifth Victory): To ensure that the gods do not forget

their place I will take up the duties of a Fool to the
Heavens, reminding the most high of their place with
wit and whimsy. I accept these duties as my life and
my way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that
the consequences rest upon my head.

Gift Side Effects

The lords of luck will occasionally make life much
more difficult on their servants. When an Immortal
rolls a 20 on a Channel or Infuse check he will
automatically fail the next skill check (mortal or
Immortal) he attempts.

Effect on Challenges
The lords of luck neither favour nor disfavour any
challenges.

Common Covenant Manifestations

The lords of luck bind their servants with words that
echo in the wind.

Magic
The arcane energies unleashed at the moment of
creation comprise the domain of magic. Its lords
command the arcane mysteries and the creatures
that came into being as magic poured through the
universe. Mortals regard them as the patrons of
magical technology and the rightful masters of the
world’s magical population.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
power gifts
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +3 per victory for
power gifts
Description: The lords of magic drink deeply of the
world’s mystery. They both know and participate in
the wonder that drives mortals to constantly explore,
alternately helping and hindering their progress. This
intimate connection with magic means they know
every ‘spell’ mortals dream up to codify magic’s
power. Simultaneously they also know the futility of
trying to fully define the indefinable.
Immortals serving magic’s lords were usually
wizards or sorcerers in their mortal lives. They
swore their oaths in order to gain access to more
of magic’s mysteries. As they advance towards
apotheosis they slowly come to understand the limits
imposed by mortals’ need for order on their magic.
In time they stop trying to control or wield magic
and instead become magic itself. Once they make
this transformation they lose their mortal spellcasting
powers in exchange for something even greater.
Mortals regard the lords of magic with both fear and
awe. They make offerings to the lords any time their
lives touch on something they do not understand or
when they discover something they have no power
to change. At the same time the unknown frightens
them down to their bones. That which is unknown,
be it another person or a powerful magical effect,
represents a danger most mortals simply cannot
accept. When driven by this fear mortals often fall
into evil, sometimes going so far as to call mythic
evil’s attention on them through their actions.
Magic
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Offering: Magic, Seasonal
2 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Seasonal
3 Bond: Reliance on magic
4 Allegiance: All wizards and sorcerers
over 18th level
5 Quest: Power, Antagonist

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COVENANTS
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of magic reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, with my hand in the stars and
my feet at the roots of the mountains swear to serve
the lords of magic in all things. I am a servant of
their mysteries and a willing student of the art of the
unknown. My life is as they bid; my power is as they
give.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): By the names of all things unknown
I swear that of all the things I have this, the magic I
have won from the world, I offer up as a sacrifice for
the glory of my lord. It is mine by right and might;
no being may dispute my claim. This offering, given
on the appointed day, I give of my own choice in
keeping with the ancient ways.
(Second Victory): In the name of the mysteries I
swear that of all the things I have this, the power I
have won on the path to immortality, I offer up as a
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
(Third Victory): So that all may know the wonder
hidden in the candle flame I must create a world
in which mortal’s reliance on magic as a way of
life flourishes. I may not allow, through action or
inaction, harm to come to the things fostering that
goal.
(Fourth Victory): By the twelve hidden names I
swear I will aid the mightiest scholars and savants of
magic when they call. I will stand between them and
danger. I will lay down my life if I must to further
their cause.
(Fifth Victory): I swear, by the powers I wield and
the truth I serve, to achieve the Closing of the Gates
of Time (challenge of Power). When, in the cycle of
time, this quest comes before the world again I will
act as an Antagonist to assist mortals in their struggle
to accomplish the same task.
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Gift Side Effects
The lords of magic imbue all of the Immortal’s
gifts with tremendous arcane import. Any use
of the Immortal’s gifts leaves a magical aura that
even an apprentice can identify when using a detect
magic spell by making a Spellcraft check (DC 10).
This aura lingers for a number of days equal to the
Immortal’s total number of victories.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of magic demand that every challenge
associated with this term involve either creation or
power.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The lords of magic place a so-called ‘witch’s mark’
on their loyal servants. This mark, typically a third
nipple or a complex birthmark, is easily recognisable
by those who know what to look for.
Plant (The Green)
When the gods unleashed the green and growing
things they retained the right of dominion. The gods
who can grant power over plants hold the authority
to command the green to their will. In some, this
translates as a desire to bring order to the unruly
world of plants. Others see mortals, who tamed the
world with fire and axes, as interlopers who must be
removed before the world can return to its destined
state.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
numen powers
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +0 per victory for
attribute powers
Description: The lords of the green rule over their
leafy minions with great care. They encourage their
charges to grow to the limits of their boundaries,
then to break free of those bounds. Even the lords
who support mortals in their enslavement of plants
recognise the green must constantly grow or wither
and die. At the same time, unchecked growth also
inevitably leads to death due to over growth. The
constant tension between these two realities keeps
the lords busy, helping to control the green on one
side and urging it forward on the other.
Immortals in service to the lords of the green act
as their master’s hands in the mortal world. They
work with the green and growing things to maintain
the fragile balance between them and the rest of
the world’s creatures. By borrowing their lord’s
 COVENANTS

Plant world with all the power at my disposal. While I

Victories Covenant Terms live they will find neither shade nor water. No living
thing will sustain them; their crops will wither in the
1 Bond: Protect one of the great old forests
fields. Their children will die, one by one, until their
2 Commitment: Guardian of the Green Groves
future fades into dust.
3 Nemesis: Those who bring fire
4 Offering: Blood, Seasonal (Fourth Victory): In my lord’s name I swear that of
5 Ritual: The Raising of the Green (DC 36) all the things I have this, my blood, I offer up as a
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right
authority the Immortals can even directly intervene
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
with the Green, plants’ awareness of themselves,
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
although with variable results.
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
Mortals routinely make offerings to the lords of the
(Fifth Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
green in their roles as harvest and fertility gods.
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
Mortals, with their highly self-centred view of the
responsibility for the raising of the green, guiding
world, do not acknowledge their debt to the green
the growing things to their rightful destiny as rulers
itself nor do they like to think about the lords’ role in
of this world. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price
pushing back the barriers they establish around their
and the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
field and orchards.
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present and
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
the future.
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of plants always favour gifts that
Covenant Terms
beneficially impact the green. Any attribute or
The full covenant with the lords of the green reads
numen gift the Immortal uses to increase the abilities
as follows:
of a plant type creature (including himself) receives
an additional +1 Aura so long as the Immortal invests
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
at least one point of his own Aura.
with the ancient laws, place my life in service to the
lords who hold sway over all the green and growing
things. In accordance with this oath I agree to abide Effect on Challenges
by the terms of the covenant they lay before me. The lords of the green do not care one way or the
other about challenges or challenge structure.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories. Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the lords of the green tend to take
(First Victory): In the name of all of the green and the form of complex, animated tattoos of plants
growing things I must create a world in which the appropriate to the covenant signer’s personality.
greatest of the old forests flourishes. I may not allow,
through action or inaction, harm to come to the things
fostering that goal.
Protection
When a god claims dominion over protection he
aligns himself with the world’s efforts to remain
(Second Victory): In the name of all the things with
as it is. He may do this out of a desire to maintain
the courage to grow I will take up the duties of a
order or because he recognises that this power
Guardian of the Green Groves, defending the sacred
grants him tremendous strength when it comes to
spaces reserved for those who worship at the foot of
defending his worshipers. In either case he takes
the First Tree. I accept these duties as my life and my
some responsibility for the stasis law imposes on the
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
world as well as the cycle of destruction built into
consequences rest upon my head.
the balance of elemental forces. At best he can hope
to balance one against the other, thereby granting his
(Third Victory): By the powers vested in me by the
worshipers some small measure of peace during their
lords of the green and growing things I will smite all
mortal days.
those who bring fire to the untouched lands of this

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COVENANTS

Channel Bonus: +1 per victory Protection

Infuse Bonus: +2 per victory Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: A people or a condition of the
Description: The lords of protection typically take
Immortal’s choice
responsibility either for an entire people or for
2 Ritual: Walking the Bounds (DC 23)
defending the world against a specific threat. They
accept inertia as a necessary evil in their quest to 3 Commitment: Guardian of the Bounds
protect their charge from whatever dangers lurk in 4 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Monthly
their charge’s future. Some recognise the danger in 5 Nemesis: Chosen Foe
too much protection as well; others obsessively strike
up responsibility for the walking of the bounds, re-
out against every danger regardless of the risk.
establishing the divinely mandated barriers between
the nations. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price
Immortals who swear service to protection’s lords
and the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
show a similar dichotomy. On one hand there are
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
Immortals who swear themselves to defend their
including my removal from the past, the present and
people, a place, or an ideal to the end of time. On
the future.
the other stand Immortals who wish to fence in a
particular threat. Both of these Immortals must
(Third Victory): By my lord’s will I will take up
struggle against becoming hidebound although not
the duties of a Guardian of the Bounds, defending
to the extent of an Immortal tapping into protection
the boundaries established by the gods at the dawn
itself.
of time. I accept these duties as my life and my way.
Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
Mortals regard the lords of protection as their friends
consequences rest upon my head.
and defenders in a world filled with danger. They
invoke these gods whenever they undertake any
(Fourth Victory): In the name of defending what is
venture entailing risk. Most lack the cosmic sense
I swear that of all the things I have this, the power I
of irony necessary to appreciate the irony of invoking
have gained on my path to immortality, I offer up as a
gods who serve the status quo in an effort to seek out
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right
new success for themselves.
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
(Fifth Victory): In the name of defending that which
is I will smite the foes of that which I protect with all
Covenant Terms the power at my disposal. While I live they will find
The full covenant with the lords of protection reads neither shade nor water. No living thing will sustain
as follows: them; their crops will wither in the fields. Their
children will die, one by one, until their future fades
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance into dust.
with the ancient laws, swear myself to the service of
the lords of protection. In return for this service my
Gift Side Effects
lords give unto me the might to defend my charge
The lords of protection do not favour random
against all that would bring harm to it.
violence. Anytime the Immortal attacks or uses a
gift offensively against someone other than his sworn
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
foes he loses one point of Aura for 24 hours. This
victories.
penalty applies every round.
(First Victory): I must create a world in which that
which I defend flourishes. I may not allow, through Effect on Challenges
action or inaction, harm to come to the things The lords of protection favour challenges of
fostering that goal. endurance and will. If an Immortal who serves the
lords of protection takes a great challenge involving
(Second Victory): In accordance with the ancient either of these challenge structures they may retry
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take one failed step in the challenge without penalty.

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Common Covenant Manifestations
The lords of protection place the mark of their
regalia on their servants. This physical mark looks
like the lord’s holy symbol. The symbol changes as
the Immortal gains greater responsibility within the
lord’s host, growing steadily more elaborate to show
his rising status.
feats of legend that will one day inspire a new
generation to strive for perfection.
Mortals worship the lords of strength through sports
and offerings. They regard these very approachable
gods as paragons of mortal achievement. Many
warriors invoke their names before battle in the hope
of sharing, if only briefly, in the god’s might.

Strength An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant

The domain of strength might be more properly with a total victory count equal to or less than his
understood as the domain of the body and its infinite total number of victories associated with this power.
potential. The lords of strength revel in the power
they built into mortal bodies, exploring the potential
Covenant Terms
inherent in both free will and the power of all six
The full covenant with the lords of strength reads as
elements in limitless combinations. The more
follows:
refined deities scoff at this joy as a ‘base thing not
born of the immortal life’, but the gods who feel it
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
know their detractors suffer as much from envy as
with the ancient laws, swear my life and my valour
they do from dislike.
to the cause of the lord of strength. I will answer the
challenges they place before me with all of the vigour
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory, +4 per victory for
and might at my command.
attribute gifts
Infuse Bonus: +0 per victory
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
Description: The lords of strength have explored
one of the few mysteries even the gods avoid:
(First Victory): For my own glory and the glory of
the potential built into mortal bodies and souls to
my lord, I swear, by the powers I wield and the truth
transcend the limitations they face. Creatures not
I serve, to achieve the Raising of the Great Stone
made of a balance of elements cannot achieve such
Gates of Tamarkan (challenge of might). When, in
transformations; they always eventually come face-
the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
to-face with the limitations of their fundamental
again I will act as an Antagonist to assist mortals in
construction. By mastering the patterns built
their struggle to accomplish the same task.
into mortals the lords of strength slowly learn to
transcend their own limitations as gods, becoming in
(Second Victory): For my own glory and the glory
time creatures not unlike the mortals themselves.
of my lord, I swear, by the powers I wield and the
truth I serve, to achieve the Race against the Wind
Immortals in service to the lords of strength often
(challenge of grace). When, in the cycle of time,
come from among the world’s greatest warriors and
this quest comes before the world again I will act
athletes. From their mortal experience they know
as an Antagonist to assist mortals in their struggle to
the limitless potential of the mortal form. As their
accomplish the same task.
Immortal awareness expands they learn to channel
the world’s power, directly altering the balance in
(Third Victory): For my own glory and the glory of
their bodies by force of will. They also seek out
my lord , I swear, by the powers I wield and the truth I
excuses to demonstrate their strength, performing
serve, to achieve the Seven Days and Seven Nights of
Strength Thunder and Stone (challenge of endurance). When,
Victories Covenant Terms in the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world
again I will act as an Antagonist to assist mortals in
1 Quest: Might, Antagonist
their struggle to accomplish the same task.
2 Quest: Grace, Antagonist
3 Quest: Endurance, Antagonist (Fourth Victory): For the glory of the lord of
4 Commitment: General of the Grand Legion strength I will take up the duties of a General of the
5 Allegiance: Clerics of the same alignment Grand Legion, guiding the path of my lord’s armies
with the strength domain over 7th level to whatever end he wishes. I accept these duties as

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COVENANTS
my life and my way. Should I fail to discharge them,
I accept that the consequences rest upon my head.
(Fifth Victory): In my lord’s name I swear I will
aid the divine servants of the lords of strength who
stand with us when they call. I will stand between
them and danger. I will lay down my life if I must to
further their cause.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of strength greatly favour any gift granting
the Immortal a bonus to his Constitution, Dexterity
or Strength. They give the Immortal an additional +1
bonus per victory associated with this covenant term
to the Channel check to activate such a gift.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of strength love challenges of all kinds
and so do not place any special restrictions or grant
particular favours for completing a specific challenge
structure.
126
Common Covenant Manifestations
Immortals who enter into a covenant with the lords of
strength bear their covenants as physical marks: the
scars they gained during the challenges they faced on
their path to immortality.
Sun
The sun’s hall is both a great spirit in its own right
and the dwelling place of the world’s strongest
gods. Alight with elemental flame and ablaze with
positive energy, its slightest touch can bring forth
life or devastate entire regions. The gods who hold
dominion over the sun can access its power but can
never truly claim it for their own.
Channel Bonus: +0 per victory, +2 per victory for
artefact and power gifts
Infuse Bonus: +0 per victory, +2 per victory for
artefact and numen gifts
Description: The lords of the sun reign over the
world. They claim dominion over the primary source
of both light and life, a dominion giving them the
right of life or death reaching from the highest peak
to the furthest ocean depths. From on high they can
see everything taking place in the world. Whether
they choose to act on this information or not depends
entirely on their mortal character, intentions and
whims of the moment.
Immortals who bow down before the lords of the sun
know they serve the world’s greatest power. They
can afford to treat lesser creatures, like Immortals or
mortals, with great disdain. Should for some reason
they have to deal with such creatures as equals they
do so with only the greatest reluctance. Once they
start to wield the sun’s fire, even indirectly, they also
shine with unmistakable inner light.
Mortals worship the sun as both a giver of life and as
the destroyer that can burn grain on the stalk or drown
the world with its fire. They call on the lords of the
sun to be generous on one hand and to restrain the
bright fire on the other. For many mortals worship of
the sun’s lords takes up the majority of their religious
observances, leaving scant attention for the other
gods and their needs.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.

Sun
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Bond: Restrain the Sun’s Spirit
2 Commitment: Courtier of the Golden Hall
3 Ritual: Rebuild the Iron Chains (DC 26)
4 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Seasonal
5 Nemesis: Undead over CR 18
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lord of the sun reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear fealty to the great lord in
his golden hall. I swear to bring his light to the dark
places where all other lights go out. I will seek out
the shadows and banish them; I will raise high the
lord’s light so all may see and understand his glory.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): In my lord’s name I swear I must
create a world in which the bond laid upon the sun’s
path flourishes. I may not allow, through action or
inaction, harm to come to the things fostering that
goal.
(Second Victory): For the glory of the sun’s lord I
will take up the duties of a Courtier of the Golden
Hall, doing such work as the world demands. I
accept these duties as my life and my way. Should I
fail to discharge them, I accept that the consequences
rest upon my head.
(Third Victory): In accordance with the ancient
law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take
up responsibility for the rite of rebuilding the iron
chains, binding the sun to its inevitable path through
the skies. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and
the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept
whatever price the world may demand, up to and
including my removal from the past, the present and
the future.
(Fourth Victory): Here, in the sun’s light, I swear
that of all the things I have this, the power I have
gained on my path to immortality, I offer up as a
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
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COVENANTS
(Fifth Victory): For the glory of the sun I will smite
all the greatest servants of undeath and darkness with
all the power at my disposal. While I live they will
find neither shade nor water. No living thing will
sustain them; their crops will wither in the fields.
Their children will die, one by one, until their future
fades into dust.
Gift Side Effects
An Immortal sworn to the lord of the sun can never
use an attribute gift associated with negative energy
or gain the power gift Dominion over Negative
Energy.
Effect on Challenges
The lord of the sun favours challenges of leadership,
as they demonstrate the Immortal’s ability to rally
the world to the lord’s cause. When an Immortal
completes a challenge of leadership dedicated to the
sun term he gains experience points as if he were
acting as an assistant rather than taking the challenge
himself.
Common Covenant Manifestations
The covenant with the sun manifests as a glowing
halo of light (a physical mark) around the Immortal’s
eyes and head.
Travel
The domain of travel watches over that uniquely
mortal activity of leaving one’s appointed place to
find something new and different. The lords who
rule over it typically come from among the ranks of
Immortals who rose up from their mortality through
apotheosis. While they can no longer exercise free
will themselves, they can watch over those mortals
who take their destinies into their own hands.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: The lords of travel once stood among
those mortals who dared to explore the vast,
unknown world. When they ascended to godhood
they chose to stand guard over mortals of equal
daring who followed in their footsteps. In so doing
they endeared themselves to mortals and placed
themselves at odds with the other gods. As the power
of covenants reveals, the gods may have built mortals
with free will but they wanted that free will exercised
in the directions they personally favoured. The lords
COVENANTS

Travel (Second Victory): So that freedom remains

Victories Covenant Terms a reality and not a dream I swear I will aid
the mighty mortal servants of the lords of
1 Commitment: Guardian of Travellers
travel when they call. I will stand between
2 Allegiance: Clerics with the travel domain over 7th level
them and danger. I will lay down my life if
3 Ritual: Walking the Road of Dawn (DC 26) I must to further their cause.
4 Bond: The roadways of empire
5 Nemesis: Bandits, Indirect Strike (Third Victory): In accordance with the
ancient law and the rules laid down in
of travel, though, stand for mortals who wish to walk
the beginning I take up responsibility for walking
their own path into the future regardless of the gods’
the road of dawn, establishing once again mortals’
will.
freedom to wander from their appointed place. If I
fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to
Immortals who swear to serve the lords of travel
make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price
come from the most intrepid of the world’s explorers
the world may demand, up to and including my
and adventurers. These determined men and women
removal from the past, the present and the future.
have learned to go their own way regardless of the
obstacles placed before them. As Immortals they
(Fourth Victory): For the common good of all who
continue as they began, seeking out new horizons
walk the roads I must create a world in which the
to explore and guarding mortals whose dreams draw
empire’s old roads and their care flourish. I may not
them from the mundane to the extraordinary.
allow, through action or inaction, harm to come to the
things fostering that goal.
Mortals rarely worship the lords of travel. Instead
they make offerings to the travel gods when they set
(Fifth Victory): So that the paths between places
out on a journey and after they arrive safely at their
remains open I will aid those who smite the mortal
destination. Mortals correctly believe these gods will
predators who make a living preying on travellers
help those who truly need it, but they also turn their
with the power at my disposal. While I live they will
backs on those who do not accept a little risk when
find neither shade nor water. No living thing will
they step on the road.
sustain them; their crops will wither in the fields.
Their children will die, one by one, until their future
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
fades into dust.
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Gift Side Effects
The lords of travel do not favour flashy displays of
Covenant Terms
power. As such, an Immortal sworn to the lords may
The full covenant with the lords of travel reads as
not take up more than one power gift associated with
follows:
the elemental powers.
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws, swear my service to the lords Effect on Challenges
of travel. We will walk together through the dawn, The lords of travel state that every challenge their
to the place without shadows. The sky will be my servants take must involve at least one journey of
only roof, the road my only home, from now until over 500 miles or ten days duration (whichever is
time’s end. greater). Avoiding this requirement through the use
of instantaneous transportation methods counts as a
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains violation of the covenant.
victories.
Common Covenant Manifestations
(First Victory): So that freedom will remain for all An Immortal bound to the lords of travel must repeat
who wish it I will take up the duties of a Guardian his covenant, in full, before setting out for the day.
of Travellers, defending those mortals who set foot His words echo in the place where he rested for a full
upon the open road. I accept these duties as my life 24 hours
and my way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept
that the consequences rest upon my head.

128

Trickery
The so-called domain of trickery represents a mindset
rather than an expressible power. Its lords master
the art of deception for a wide variety of reasons,
but all share the belief that they cannot completely
trust other beings. Rather than display their true
intentions, these lords use illusions and word games,
deceptions and cons to draw others into a coercive
web in which they do what the lords want without
understanding why.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
artefact gifts
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory
Description: The lords of trickery do not so much
rule over trickery as they use it in every encounter
with other gods, Immortals or mortal creatures. They
deceive others about their intentions, needs, desires
and goals so much even their closest allies cannot
say exactly what they want. This creates rather
uncomfortable relationships in the divine world, as
the gods would rather deal with known entities rather
than an unknown quantity.
Immortals who align themselves with the tricksters
enjoy a level of reflected respect among others of
their own kind. Other Immortals cannot help but
be impressed with anyone who manages to keep one
of the tricksters to their word. At the same time, an
Immortal aligned with trickery rarely receives much
in the way of trust. Anyone capable of tricking a
trickster must be something of a trickster himself.
Mortals who make their living through deceit often
regard trickery’s masters as their patron gods. They
make offerings to them but at the same time try to
avoid their attention. Nothing worries a deceiver
quite so much as encountering another person
capable of not only seeing through their deceptions
but also of enmeshing them, perhaps without their
knowledge.
Trickery
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Quest: Wit, Impediment
2 Commitment: Fool to the Divine Courts
3 Commitment: Adversary of the Fools
4 Offering: Materials (stolen)
5 Nemesis: Lawful characters over 9th level,
Indirect Strike
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COVENANTS
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of trickery reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the word of my lords, will pursue the route of
the rogue and trickster. At every turn will I walk
this road to the betterment of my patrons and the
befuddlement of those I meet.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): For my lord’s everlasting
amusement, I swear, by the powers I wield and the
truth I serve, to achieve the Snatching of the Heart of
Dawn (challenge of wit). When, in the cycle of time,
this quest comes before the world again I will act as
an Antagonist to assist mortals in their struggle to
accomplish the same task.
(Second Victory): For the honour of my lord I will
take up the duties of a Fool to the Divine Court,
reminding the gods of their place through wit and
irony. I accept these duties as my life and my way.
Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
(Third Victory): So that all may know my lord’s
wit I will take up the duties of a Adversary of the
Fools, tormenting mortals who think too highly of
themselves. I accept these duties as my life and my
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the
consequences rest upon my head.
(Fourth Victory): As proof of my loyalty I swear that
of all the things I have this, the goods I have stolen
from unworthy mortals, I offer up as a sacrifice for
the glory of my lord. It is mine by right and might;
no being may dispute my claim. This offering, given
on the appointed day, I give of my own choice in
keeping with the ancient ways.
(Fifth Victory): In the name of the lord of trickery
I will smite those great servants of law who chose
their path willingly with all the power at my disposal.
While I live they will find neither shade nor water.
No living thing will sustain them; their crops will
wither in the fields. Their children will die, one by
one, until their future fades into dust.
COVENANTS
Gift Side Effects
The lords of trickery forbid their servants from taking
any attribute associated with the collective power of
the moon.
Effect on Challenges
The lords of trickery require their champions to
display wit and grace in everything they do. If
they fail a either an Intelligence check or a Reflexes
saving throw during a challenge component they
automatically fail that component.
Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the lords of trickery may take any
form, so long as they remain somewhere on or near
the Immortal.
War
The domain of war deals with the rules and science of
mortal, Immortal and deific conflict. The lords of war
study this field diligently in the hopes of defeating
their foes and aiding their friends. Violence’s role
in many of the world’s woes encourages mortals to
worship war’s lords as the pre-eminent deities of
their time.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
attribute gifts
Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 per victory for
numen gifts
Description: The lords of war serve as the marshals
and generals of the divine armies. In times of peace
they conduct drills and study the art of war. When
battle’s bright flame beckons they stride at the
forefront of battle, destroying the lesser creatures
that fall into their path.
Immortals in the service of war’s lords serve as
officers in divine armies. When their lords issue
forth they take up harness and walk beside them.
Whatever creatures fall into their path must face the
War
Victories Covenant Terms
1 Allegiance: Clerics of the granting power over 7th level, only
at dawn or dusk (chosen by the god at the time of agreement)
2 Nemesis: Clerics of gods opposed to the granting power
3 Offering: Blood, Monthly
4 Commitment: Minister of Conflict and Battle
5 Commitment: General of the Host
130
full power of their Immortal strength, unbound by
any rules save war’s conventions. In times of peace
they command their regiments and seek out mortal
champions of strength for war’s service.
Mortals, recognising war’s devastating consequences
in their lives, both worship and fear the lords of war.
Those mortals who find themselves locked in combat
with their foes offer up prayers to the gods that they
will find sufficient strength to survive. Those who
live in one of the short peaceful moments pray to
the lords for them to turn aside the inevitable tide
of destruction. Though the gods might answer the
former plea they usually ignore the latter; for them
nothing is gained during peace that cannot be more
easily achieved through righteous violence.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lords of war reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws and the forms of war, swear to
serve my lord in whatever capacity he demands. I
place my hand and blade at his service, from now
until the end of time. Should I break this, my solemn
oath and covenant, I hereby declare my honour will
be void and my life forfeit soon after.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): For the glory of the lord of war
I swear I will aid his mighty servants when they
call for my aid at either dawn or dusk. I will stand
between them and danger. I will lay down my life if
I must to further their cause.
(Second Victory): In the name of my lord I will
smite those who serve his enemies with all the power
at my disposal. While I live they
will find neither shade nor water. No
living thing will sustain them; their
crops will wither in the fields. Their
children will die, one by one, until
their future fades into dust.
 COVENANTS

(Third Victory): For the glory of war I swear that Common Covenant Manifestations
of all the things I have this, my blood, I offer up as a The lords of war keep their covenant terms private.
sacrifice for the glory of my lord. It is mine by right There are no visible physical manifestations
and might; no being may dispute my claim. This associated with their favour.
offering, given on the appointed day, I give of my
own choice in keeping with the ancient ways.
Water
(Fourth Victory): For the glory of the lord of war I The gods who claim dominion over elemental water
will take up the duties of a Minister of Conflict and control one of the six great tools of creation. They
Battle, overseeing mortal’s adherence to the rules of gain power over storm and wave, stream and ocean.
warfare and the ancient traditions of battle. I accept This tool gives them great power, though it also
these duties as my life and my way. Should I fail to terrifies the mortals who must rely on the waves for
discharge them, I accept that the consequences rest their livelihood.
upon my head.
Channel Bonus: +1 per victory
(Fifth Victory): So that all will know my lord’s Infuse Bonus: +1 per victory, +2 for artefact gifts
mighty hand I will take up the duties of a General
of the Host, leading the hosts of war’s true lord into Description: The lords of water rule over the rain,
battle. I accept these duties as my life and my way. the oceans, the rivers, streams and lakes and all other
Should I fail to discharge them, I accept that the bodies of water. They have some right of command
consequences rest upon my head. over the fish as well, though they must share
them with the lords of animals. Some of the
gods retain this authority from when they
Gift Side Effects
wove the worlds. Others took
The lords of war encourage
it up when one of the former
their minions to learn the arts
lords of the waters moved on
of war but not to the extent of
to whatever state exists beyond
wasting their powers on petty
godhood.
affairs. They do not grant
any bonus to attribute gifts
Immortals who serve the lords
associated with one of the
of water do so in order to gain
collective powers if that
access to elemental water’s
gift is associated with this
power without suffering from
covenant term.
the banes a direct tap brings.
They typically wield one
Effect on Challenges or more tools capable of
The lords of war require their shaping water so that they do
servants to prove their ability not have to touch it directly.
in at least one challenge of This reluctance to
might at each apotheosis submit to water’s
stage. Failure to do so will causes problems
results in a violation
of this covenant
term.

131
COVENANTS
between the Immortals and their patrons, sometimes
leading to one or both sides breaking their covenant.
Mortals worship the lords of water in their role as
the keepers of storms. They plead for enough water
to reach their fields, but for the lords to withhold the
greatest storms so they do not destroy the crops or
flatten mortal’s homes. The lord’s mercurial nature
makes such pleading dangerous indeed. One moment
a lord of water might agree to hold a storm in check
and then in the next moment he might unleash it for
reasons understood only by those connected to the
fathomless deep.
An Immortal must abide by all terms in the covenant
with a total victory count equal to or less than his
total number of victories associated with this power.
Covenant Terms
The full covenant with the lord of water reads as
follows:
I, <insert the character’s name here>, in accordance
with the ancient laws and the rites of old, solemnly
swear my life to the service of the lord of water. I
will serve at his side, by his command, until the day
comes when the waves take the world.
The Immortal adds additional terms as he gains
victories.
(First Victory): To prove my worth and my
commitment to the balance of all things I swear that
of all the things I have this, the power I gained on
my path to immortality, I offer up as a sacrifice for
the glory of my lord. It is mine by right and might;
no being may dispute my claim. This offering, given
on the appointed day, I give of my own choice in
keeping with the ancient ways.
(Second Victory): To maintain the balance Water
between what is and what was I will take
Victories
up the duties of a Seneschal of the Waters,
1 Offering: Metaphysical Power, Monthly
governing the wellspring given unto me by my
lord. I accept these duties as my life and my 2 Commitment: Seneschal of the Waters
way. Should I fail to discharge them, I accept 3 Allegiance: The granting power’s clerics over 9th level
that the consequences rest upon my head. 4 Bond: One of the world’s seas
5 Ritual: Binding of the Waves, Seasonal (DC 32)
132
(Third Victory): In the name of the sixth great
element I swear I will aid my lord’s mighty servants
when they call. I will stand between them and
danger. I will lay down my life if I must to further
their cause.
(Fourth Victory): For the honour of the lord of the
depths I must create a world in which the great sea
and all the things within it flourish. I may not allow,
through action or inaction, harm to come to the things
fostering that goal.
(Fifth Victory): In accordance with the ancient law
and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up
responsibility for binding the waves, reaffirming the
boundaries between land and sea and sky. If I fail in
this duty the fault, the price and the actions to make it
right fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world
may demand, up to and including my removal from
the past, the present and the future.
Gift Side Effects
The lord of water claims control over the right to
use elemental powers. Any time the Immortal uses
a power gift granting him dominion over one of the
six elemental powers he violates his covenant with
the lord of water. The sole exception to this is when
the Immortal uses Dominion over Elemental Water
granted to him as a gift associated with this covenant
term.
Effect on Challenges
The lord of water does not care about what kinds of
challenges his minions undertake.
Common Covenant Manifestations
Covenants with the lord of water manifest as wave-
like scars moving across the Immortal’s hands, chest
and back.
Covenant Terms

Gifts
T
he first part of this book describes the
character’s progression from mortal to
god through the path to immortality. As
the character meets challenges (described in the
Challenges chapter) he accumulates victories that
advance him through the steps of apotheosis. At
each step he gains additional Immortal power,
represented by his new Aura attribute. This Aura
strongly impacts mortals and weaker Immortals in
such a way as to engender awe in the former and fear
in the latter.
This preliminary discussion lays out what separates
Immortals from their mortal brethren. As they drink
deeply of the universe’s heady brew their perceptions
and raw power expand to scales closely resembling
those of the gods themselves. However, since this
is a Roleplaying Game, not a novel or handbook
towards personal apotheosis, how do these changes
manifest themselves in the character?
The Book of Immortals expresses these changes as
‘gifts’. A gift is the Immortal equivalent of a feat: a
new technique or ability the Immortal develops as he
moves through the ranks towards apotheosis.
Unlike standard d20 feats a gift does not simply open
up an advanced tactical option the character may use
in combat. Instead each gift opens up an entirely
new approach the character may take to affecting his
world. This may range from transforming his body
into a deathless combat machine to calling up a host
of servant spirits with which to conquer the world.
Short Form: Gifts in a Paragraph
When a character completes a challenge he gets
a victory and a gift. These gifts, like feats or
spells, give the character new options with which
he can alter the game world. The gifts fall into
four general types, each of which uses slightly
different rules for the Channel and Infuse skills.
Attributes and artefacts become more powerful
when Channelled, numen and powers become
stronger when Infused. Immortals who use their
gifts attract the attention of various predatory
groups in addition to participating in the
complexities of Immortal society.
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GIFTS
Every gift draws upon the Immortal’s Aura attribute.
The Immortal may choose how much Aura he uses
to support each of his gifts; the more of his power
the gift holds the stronger it becomes. Depending on
the types of gifts the Immortal possesses he may be
able to reallocate his Aura among his gifts in a single
action or he may have to go through elaborate rituals
to perform such an act.
The act of investing a gift with Aura requires more
than just raw power. It takes a certain amount of
subtlety and skill to carry off well. In character
terms Immortals develop this ability by advancing
their ranks in two new skills: Channel and Infuse.
The Channel skill deals with Aura invested in gifts
affecting the Immortal’s personal space and what
used to be his mortal body. Conversely, Infuse deals
with the Immortal’s ability to invest his powers into
objects outside of himself.
Systemically, gifts give the character ways to express
his ever-expanding powers. In game world terms the
gifts represent the visible alterations taking place in
the Immortal as he transforms himself from a mortal
into something far greater.
The Immortal Arts
A newly minted Aspirant differs from an Immortal
standing on the edge of apotheosis as much as an
ant differs from a man. However, even if this young
Aspirant had undergone the same transformations
the Immortal had he would still not have the
experience that allows the elder to milk the most
from his powers.
In order to represent this difference in knowledge
The Book of Immortals presents two Immortal skills:
Channel and Infuse. Any character with one or more
victories gains these skills as class skills for his
mortal classes. Additionally the character’s taps and
covenants give him bonuses to both skills when he
uses a gift associated with them.
Immortal Skill: Channel
(Wisdom)
An Immortal uses the Channel skill when he targets
himself with an Immortal gift. This skill check
governs his ability to increase the strength of these
gifts, sustain them when his Aura drops below
GIFTS
their minimum threshold or support them against
another’s effort to suppress them.
Additionally, artefacts and numen gifts require a
Channel check to remove Aura from them once the
Immortal invests his powers.
Each of these uses receives further detail below.
Increase a Gift’s Strength: All gifts require a
specific Aura investment to activate. Paying this
minimum investment requires no skill check. The
investment represents the Immortal’s minimum
commitment in the gift’s effect. If he wishes to
invest more Aura points he must make a Channel
check to do so. The actual effect of this skill check
depends on the gift type and how well the Immortal
does. The Gift Strength (Channel) table below
presents a summary of this information; each of
the separate gift headings below contains expanded
information.
Failure: The Immortal fails to properly infuse his
Aura into the gift. He wastes the action to no effect.
Attribute: Aura invested into an attribute gift
increases its numeric bonuses by the amount listed.
Artefact: Aura invested into an artefact gift increases
the total number of points the Immortal has to invest
in the artefact’s special abilities and spells.
Numen: Aura invested into numen (who are
possessing the Immortal so he may share in their
powers) is limited to the maximum number listed.
Power: Powers channelled into the character to create
effects are strengthened by the listed amount. This
amount is applied as a bonus to the total numeric
effect not to each die rolled to create that effect.
Sustain Gift Below Threshold: Once an Immortal
activates a gift he invests the Aura points in the
gift. He cannot use those Aura points until he
removes them. Unfortunately, some blessings and
Gift Strength (Channel)
Skill Check Result Attribute Artefact
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 +1 per Aura 2 points per Aura
21-30 +2 per Aura 4 points per Aura
31-40 +3 per Aura 6 points per Aura
41+ +4 per Aura 8 points per Aura
134
covenant terms require the Immortal to expend his
Aura. These points come first from the Immortals
‘uninvested’ Aura. After that, the Immortal must
pull allocated points from gifts in order to meet the
required cost.
As the Immortal removes Aura the gift weakens.
If the Aura investment falls below the minimum
required threshold the gift fails. However, if the
Immortal established the gift’s investment with a
Channel check he may make a free skill check with
that skill to maintain the gift at the minimum level of
functionality despite having expended the Aura.
The skill check DC this requires is 10 + (3 times the
minimum Aura requirement).
Resist Suppression: Gifts are supernatural abilities.
As such, they are nominally subject to anti-magical
effects including the 6th level spell antimagic field.
However, even the weakest Immortal can usually
overwhelm even the most powerful of mortal
magicians.
When an Immortal is subjected to an effect that
would negate one of his gifts he may make a Channel
check to resist the effect. The DC of this check is
equal to the caster level of the individual who
invoked the effect plus the modifier of the attribute
that modifies that caster level’s spell DCs. If the
Immortal beats this DC the antimagic effect fails to
dispel his gifts, regardless of the result of any other
checks or saving throws. If he fails the Immortal
still has the opportunity to receive the benefits of the
other checks and saving throws.
The Immortal uses his Channel skill to resist
suppression even if he used Infuse to activate/
empower the gift. This mechanically represents the
Immortal drawing on his divine power to overcome
the limited power invested in mortal heroes. This is
a free action.
Numen Power
Failure Failure
Max 2 Aura +1 per Aura
Max 4 Aura +2 per Aura
Max 6 Aura +3 per Aura
Max 8 Aura +4 per Aura

Remove Aura from Artefact: Once a character
invests Aura into an artefact gift he can only retrieve
it if something destroys the artefact or if he makes
a successful skill check with the skill used to make
the investment. The DC of this skill check equals
the total number of points the Immortal could spend
on the artefact not the total number of Aura points
invested. The Immortal can use this skill check to
retrieve any number of Aura points from the artefact
but cannot take so many points the Artefact falls
under its minimum Aura threshold.
The Immortal must be able to touch the artefact to
retrieve his invested Aura.
Remove Aura from Numen: Once a character
invests Aura into a numen the spirit loathes giving
it up. The Immortal can only retrieve this Aura by
making a skill check using the skill used to make the
investment. The DC of this skill check equals 4 x
the total number of Aura points invested, including
the minimum Aura threshold. If he makes this skill
check he can withdraw any amount of Aura from the
gift, even taking it below the minimum threshold.
If he does so the gift stops working and the numen
vanishes.
Try Again: Yes for attribute and power gifts. No for
artefact and numen gifts. Each use of the Channel
skill takes a full round action unless otherwise
specified.
Synergy: If the character has more than five ranks
in Spellcraft he receives a +2 bonus to his Channel
checks.
Immortal Skill: Infuse
(Charisma)
An Immortal uses the Infuse skill to direct his divine
power into the world. This allows him to unleash
the bonds placed on the elemental powers, summon
up armies of divinely empowered spirits or create
magical items that mirror his own artefacts. When
Gift Strength (Infuse)
Skill Check Result Attribute Artefact
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 Failure Infused
21-30 Infused 1 point per Aura
31-40 +1 per Aura 2 points per Aura
41+ +2 per Aura 3 points per Aura
135
GIFTS
the Immortal does this he invests a small portion of
his own spirit into the infused object or creature.
The Immortal may use the infuse skill for any one of
the following purposes: increase a gift’s strength or
suppress another Immortal’s gifts. He an also use it
to scry around the object, person or area he infused.
Additionally, power gifts used to infuse an area or
creature require a skill check to retrieve the invested
Aura points.
Increase a Gift’s Strength: When an Immortal uses
a gift on a creature outside of himself he must pay
Aura equal to the minimum threshold to create the
default effect. He may invest additional Aura points
in the effect to increase its strength. The amount of
power each Aura point gains the character depends
on how well he does at his Infuse check. For more
information refer to the Gift Strength (Infuse) table
below.
Failure: The Immortal fails to properly invest his
Aura. He wastes the action but may try again next
round.
Attribute: The Immortal manages to infuse the
target with one of his own attribute gifts. If his check
result comes under 20 on the check he fails outright.
If he rolls a 20 to 30 he activates the gift in the target
but cannot enhance it. Results over 30 allow the
Immortal to infuse the target with more of his Aura.
Artefact: The Immortal infuses a ‘pattern’ of his
artefact into a similar object. If his check result
comes under 10 he fails outright. If it is between
10 and 20 he infused the object with his artefact’s
‘base’ level of function and must invest the minimum
Aura threshold. Higher results allow the Immortal
to invest additional Aura in order to strengthen the
artefact.
Numen: The Immortal may invest up to the
maximum number of Aura listed in numina he calls
up to do his bidding.
Numen Power
Failure Failure
Max 4 Aura +1 die per Aura
Max 8 Aura +2 dice per Aura
Max 12 Aura +3 dice per Aura
Max 16 Aura +4 dice per Aura
GIFTS

Power: The effect gains a bonus number of dice
equal to the number listed for the skill result per
point of Aura invested.
Suppress Gifts: An Immortal may use his raw Infuse
skill and his Aura to suppress the manifestations of
another Immortal’s powers. This use of the Infuse
skill takes a standard action. The Immortal target
must be within 120 feet and in line of sight. The
Immortal makes an Infuse check unmodified by any
tap or covenant effects. The target makes a Channel
check unmodified by any tap or covenant effects.
If the initiating Immortal wins the skill check he
negates a number of the target’s Aura points equal to
his total Aura attribute. So long as the target remains
within line of sight he can maintain this effect
through concentration.
Retrieve Aura from Infused Power: Once an
Immortal infuses a power it takes on a life of its own.
In order to get his Aura back he must make an Infuse
check with a DC equal to 10 + (3 x the total number
of Aura points invested in the gift). If the Immortal
succeeds he may retrieve any number of Aura points
from the gift. If he reduces the gift’s effect below
its minimum threshold the effect ends even if points
remain invested.
the infused target. This allows the Immortal to use
his Listen, Search and Spot skills within a 30 feet
radius around the object. He can also use divination
spells, which act as though they were cast with the
infused target as their point of origin.
Try Again: Yes for artefact, attribute and numen
gifts. No for power gifts. Each use of the Infuse skill
takes a standard action unless otherwise specified.
Synergy: If the character has five or more ranks of
Knowledge (arcana) he receives a +2 bonus to his
Infuse checks.
Skill Points and the Immortal
Immortals do not gain skill points as they advance
towards apotheosis. However, they may continue
to gain levels in their existing mortal classes as a
standard epic character.
Mortal Advancement
As stated in The Path of Immortality, a character
with one or more Victories treats Channel and Infuse
as class skills for all of his mortal classes. When
an Immortal gains a level in a mortal class he may
spend skill points normally to increase these skills.

Scry Around Infused Target: The Immortal may

either actively or passively scry around the target
Covenant and Tap Bonuses
The bonuses for a covenant or tap apply only to
of his Infuse skill. If an Immortal enters a 30 feet
the gifts associated with that covenant or tap. The
radius around the target or uses his gifts/Aura/
Immortal cannot ‘mix and match’ his bonuses; he
Immortal skills on it the infusing Immortal may
must use the bonuses associated with the gift/power
make an Infuse check (DC 20) to notice the effect
source pair.
immediately. Alternately, the Immortal may make an
Infuse check (DC 25) to place his senses in/around

Behind the Curtain: Immortals and Skills

Immortals advance in mortal skills using various attribute gifts. However, they also exhibit a strong
need for skill points related to the two Immortal skills: Channel and Infuse. This would seem to favour
high skill point classes like bards and rogues and punish low-skill point classes like fighters and wizards.

High-skill point classes are limited by their total Aura and number of gifts. Both Channel and
Infuse help the Immortal to get more out of his Aura, but an Immortal with only a handful of Aura
points and one or two gifts will never be able to challenge one with more Aura and greater gifts.

Furthermore the bonuses associated with both covenants and taps provide both high
and low skill point characters with respectable bonuses. This helps to offset the
advantage gained by having large numbers of skill points to spend on the Immortal skills.

If the Games Master feels the high-skill classes maintain too much of an advantage he may impose a 3 skill
point per level limit on the Immortal skills, slowing the growth of disparity between the two types of classes.

136
 GIFTS

Gifts and Standard Ability

Classifications
The Immortal gifts do not fall easily into the standard
d20 ability classifications. However, if it becomes
relevant to play use the following designations:
† Artefact gifts act as magical items.
† Attribute gifts act as supernatural abilities
unless they grant the ability to cast spells.
Then they act as spell-like abilities.
† Numen gifts act as spell-like abilities
when invoked. After invocation the spirit
remains active until banished or killed.
† Power gifts act as spell-like abilities.

The Four Great

Gifts and their
Associations
As described in The Path of Immortality (pg. 14)
gifts fall into one of four categories: artefacts,
attributes, numen and powers. Each category
has its own specific effects and way of interfacing
with the two Immortal skills described above.
When an Immortal overcomes a challenge, thereby
gaining a victory, he may either select a gift or allow
his power source to select one for him.
Once selected the Immortal may not change
his gifts. If the Immortal permanently loses
the victory he loses the gift associated with it.
If he retries the original challenge and overcomes
it he may select a new gift.
The Four Great Gifts
In the game world scholars refer to the four gift
categories as ‘The Four Great Gifts’. Each gift the
Immortal gains is, in effect, a manifestation of one
of these ‘great gifts’. As the Immortal continues his
progression along the path he will develop additional
manifestations and potentially even additional great
gifts.
Artefacts: The first great gift allows the Immortal to
imprint a part of his own psychology and power into
a physical manifestation. This manifestation, called
an artefact, does more than just carry incredible
power. It expresses fundamental truths about the
Immortal who created it. Anyone can look at an
artefact and know everything there is to know about
its creator regardless of how well he hides himself in
person. Furthermore an artefact can cause similar
objects to ‘resonate’ with
its power, granting them a
fraction of its abilities.
Attributes: The second great gift allows the
Immortal to transpose his fragile mortal form into
the more enduring divine substance. This great gift
causes the attributes of the Immortal’s once frail
body to transform into sterner stuff, be it elemental
earth or simply flesh highly infused with negative
energy. These changes leave visible marks upon
the Immortal, but must be maintained by a constant
expenditure of the Immortal’s power. A sufficiently
powerful Immortal can extend these gifts to others,
allowing them to briefly taste his power.
Numen: The third great gift invokes all of the
myriad mortal and immortal spirits who came into
being when raw primal powers came into contact
with pure positive or negative energy. These spirits
serve the Immortal in return for a small fragment
of his power. Each numen has its own use; most
either inhabit the Immortal to lend him their power
or act independently as the Immortal’s agent. The
Immortal may command his servants to possess

137
GIFTS
another creature although doing so sometimes
causes the spirit to escape the Immortal’s control.
Powers: The fourth great gift gives the Immortal
the ability to radically control the world’s balance.
He gains access to either one of the six elemental
powers or to the four mythic ones. These, in turn,
allow the Immortal to express his power by imposing
his will on the physical world. These gifts can be
channelled close to the Immortal to grant him minor
powers or infused into the world around him in order
to make considerable alterations. In either case the
manifestation remains only as long as the Immortal
invests himself in it; the moment his attention and
power wander the world returns to its original
state, barring any secondary effects caused by the
manifestation’s presence.
The four great gifts only manifest through the lesser
gifts. No non-Transcendental being can hold the
power needed to wield them in their raw form.
Predators
Even though Immortals like to believe they stand
above any possible threat, in truth their great power
attracts any number of predators. These predators
work in large groups to chain Immortals, using them
as involuntary power sources for their own benefit.
Each group of predators specialises in trapping and
harnessing strength from one of the four great gifts.
A fifth group appears when the Immortal overexerts
his powers. These five groups are consumers,
drinkers, shadows, sycophants and thieves. Most of
these represent generic groups, although each world
will have at least one example of each somewhere
within it.
Consumers and drinkers closely resemble one
another. Both groups imprison Immortals, then use
arcane rituals to drain off parts of his powers. The
difference lies in their approach. Consumers hack
off parts of their captives for consumption while
drinkers sample the Immortals Aura as if it were fine
wine. On a practical level this gives the predators
access to the Immortal’s attribute gifts or power gifts
respectively.
Shadows appear when the Immortal overextends
his power gifts. When the Immortal pushes the
world too far he burns a ‘shadow’ of himself into
it. This shadow has a portion of the Immortal’s
powers and wishes to take them all. As the shadow
138
gains strength it becomes an independent character
working to consume the Immortal’s life. If the
shadow succeeds the Immortal ceases to be and the
shadow takes his place.
Sycophants are the shadow side of numen gifts.
There is a small chance each time the Immortal
invests part of his Aura into a spirit that it becomes
addicted to his power. The spirit will then try to
stay around the Immortal, slowly draining the host’s
power until the Immortal finally collapses. In most
cases a sycophant numen seems like a friendly and
helpful servant; its true motives can remain hidden
for decades, even centuries.
Unlike the other groups, thieves tend to work alone
or in very small cells. Thieves do not seek to entrap
Immortals. Instead, they lurk in the darkness waiting
for an unfortunate Immortal to loosen his hold on
an artefact. When he does the thieves sweep in,
snatching the item for their own use. So long as
they wield this artefact they may use its full abilities,
just like the Immortal himself. Some thieves have
developed rituals allowing them to use the artefact
as an ‘anchor point’ through which they can draw on
even more of the Immortal’s might.
All of these groups receive more attention in the
Predators section in The Immortal World chapter.
The feats they use to perform their nefarious deeds
are listed in The Path of Immortality (pg. 18).
Picking Gifts
When an Immortal finally completes a challenge he
receives a victory associated with a power source.
This victory both boosts the character’s standing
on the path to immortality and grants the character
a gift
In mechanical terms the Games Master may either
allow the character’s player to select the gift of his
choice or grant the character a gift based on what
makes sense for his game world. The Games Master
may also mix these approaches, allowing the player
to select some of his gifts and assigning others.
Default Rule: Players may select gifts they receive
for challenges associated with taps. The Games
Master assigns the character a gift for challenges
associated with a covenant. This rule simulates the
difference between the two kinds of power sources:
the Immortal charts his own way with taps while he
relies on outside powers when he makes covenants.

Assigned vs. Chosen Gifts
Each playgroup will have to come to its own
accord as to how comfortable they are with
assigned vs. chosen gifts. Gifts straddle the line
between feats (chosen by the player) and rewards
(given by the Games Master). The default rule
represents one possible balance between the two
sides. Another might be to allow the player to
select the gift for any challenge he takes on of his
own accord and assign the gifts resulting from
challenges taken as part of an established path
to immortality.
The Paths presented in From Aspiration to
Transcendence follow the default rule outlined
above.
Gifts, Abilities and Opposed
Powers
An Immortal cannot select a gift, or an ability
granted by a gift, that is in direct opposition to the
power source. For example, an Immortal with an
artefact gift associated with a positive energy tap
cannot use the artefact to create undead or unlock
the keys to negative energy.
Using the Same Gift Multiple
Times
The bonuses and abilities granted by gifts follow the
rules established for stacking in the standard OGL
rules. This means that bonuses of the same type
do not stack and abilities of the same type do not
generally stack unless otherwise specified.
This means:
† Attribute gifts grant specific bonuses or abilities.
In general, these do not stack so the Immortal
does not gain any benefit from activating the gift
multiple times. However, the Immortal could
channel his Aura into his attribute and separately
infuse some of his Aura into outside targets.
† Artefact gifts, being objects, can only be used
once. The object created by the gift (the artefact
itself) follows the normal rules for magic item
usage.
† Numen gifts may be used multiple times, but
summoning and channelling more than one spirit
at a time will not necessarily result in greater
bonuses.
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GIFTS
† Power gifts may be used multiple times, so long
as the effects do not stack.
For more information about stacking refer to
the System Reference Document (SRD) or Core
Rulebooks I, II and III.
Artefacts
Legends tell of Immortals bearing massive flaming
swords, staves capable of bending enough arcane
energy to put out stars and shining shields blessed
by the sun god. Although mortals stand in awe of
the craft displayed by such objects, Immortals know
that they exist only as physical manifestations of a
greater truth.
Artefacts are, in reality, not so much objects as
manifestations of Immortal’s personality, intentions
and dreams. In a very real way each artefact is the
Immortal himself; an extension of his soul given
form through creation’s tools. So long as it exists the
artefact acts as a channel for the Immortal’s power,
waxing and waning in strength as the Immortal
does.
Once created an artefact becomes part of an
Immortal’s ‘regalia’, the symbols that identify him
and express his personality. These items become
part of the Immortal’s personal story and enter into
the world’s legends.
Recognising Artefacts
A mortal or Immortal who sees an artefact may make
a Knowledge (arcana) check (DC 20) to recognise
the artefact and identify its rightful owner. This
skill check gives the character one of the following
pieces of information: artefact name, artefact history,
artefact’s owner, one known power or whether or not
the artefact exhibits its own intelligence. For every
five points by which the check result exceeds the
DC the character may retrieve an additional piece of
information from this list.
Short Form: Artefacts
An artefact gift gives the character a configurable
magic item that grows with him as he advances
along the path to immortality. The more Aura
the character puts into a specific artefact the
more powerful it becomes. If the character loses
the artefact he cannot access its powers until it
returns to him.
GIFTS
Characters who possess the bardic knowledge
class ability may make a similar attempt using a
bardic knowledge check (DC 10). If they succeed
they automatically know the artefact’s name and
owner. For every five points by which the check
result exceeds the DC the character may retrieve an
additional piece of information from the list above.
Artefacts radiate an overwhelming magical aura
of indeterminate type. If the artefact is associated
with one of the four mythic powers or the domains
of chaos, evil, good or law it also radiates an
overwhelming aura of the appropriate type.
Building an Artefact Gift
When an Immortal receives an artefact gift he
automatically invests one point of his Aura into
it. This empowers the artefact and links it to the
Immortal’s soul. The Immortal does not receive
this point of Aura back so long as he possesses the
artefact gift, regardless of whether or not he holds
the object.
If the Immortal’s player chose the challenge and the
gift he may also chose the artefact template his gift
grants him. If, on the other hand, the Games Master
selected the gift he decides what artefact template
the gift follows.
In either case the Immortal may choose to invest
more of his Aura into the gift at the time of creation.
When the Immortal chooses to do this treat him as if
he took 20 on his Channel check to determine how
many power points he gets for the artefact per point
of Aura he invests. The Immortal cannot remove
Aura invested at the time of the creation without
destroying the artefact outright.
Once created the artefact assumes a physical
manifestation. This form, be it a sword made of
gold shining with divine power or a crudely carved
wooden statue, remains stable until some power
destroys it.
Destroying Artefacts
Artefacts, even ones that look like nothing more
than crudely carved wooden figures, do not obey the
same material rules as other items. In a very real
way their physical existence is entirely secondary
to their purpose as an expression of an Immortal’s
spiritual power. Destroying an artefact requires the
140
destroyer to, in effect, kill a part of the Immortal’s
divine power.
In practical terms an artefact is immune to physical
damage or magical effects influencing its hardness,
hit points or shape in the mundane world. This
immunity vanishes when the artefact enters a
wellspring. While in the wellspring the artefact
becomes subject to the normal rules for damaging,
destroying or repairing an object.
The destruction of an artefact releases tremendous
power. Everyone within a 20 feet radius of the
destruction must make a Reflex save (DC 10 + 4 per
point of invested Aura). Those that fail must make
a Fortitude save at the same DC or take 1d10 points
of damage per point of Aura invested in the artefact.
Those that succeed at either the Reflex or the
Fortitude save take 1d4 points of damage per point
of Aura invested in the artefact. A wall of force or
other, similar power can contain this damage.
When an artefact is destroyed, the owning Immortal
immediately receives his invested Aura. He loses
access to the artefact gift until he can recreate the
artefact by undertaking a challenge of creation. If
he successfully completes this challenge he regains
access to the artefact gift
The Immortal who owns the artefact or his knowing
agents cannot harm the artefact without instantly
killing the Immortal.
Artefacts After Death
When an Immortal dies his artefacts retain their
power. Those artefacts with sufficient intelligence
to understand the situation will make every effort
to resurrect their former master. If they cannot,
the artefacts will continue to pursue the Immortal’s
personal agenda long after his name fades from
history.
Recording Artefact Gifts
Attribute gifts take the following format on the
Immortal’s character sheet:
Name
Template Artefact Gift ((Power or Domain) (Victory
Number), Covenant or Tap, Object Description)
Power Point Threshold/ Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP):
Initial bonuses
Channel (Result (Check Result), Power Point
 GIFTS

Ratio, Invested Aura, Total PP): abilities and
powers purchased
For example:
Blade of Valour
Weapon Artefact Gift (War 2, Covenant,
Longsword)
Power Point Threshold (1 Aura, 5PP): +2 bonus,
Automatic Infusion 60 feet
Channel (Result 24, 4/1, 3 Aura, 12 PP): +3 bonus,
shield of faith (CL 18, 4/per day), dancing, flaming
burst
The above entry describes a longsword weapon
artefact gift the Immortal gained as part of his
second victory associated with a god who granted
him a war covenant.
Templates and Power Points
for Artefacts
When an Immortal receives an artefact gift he
immediately invests one point of Aura and selects
one of the artefact templates. This investment gives
the template five ‘power points’ the Immortal may
use to buy his artefact’s powers.
Templates
All artefacts use one of the templates:
Template: The template’s name.
Corresponding Item Type: The type of standard
magical object the artefact resembles.
Physical Manifestation: The artefact’s basic physical
look. Without its powers the artefact functions as
a masterwork item of the specified type. It does
not possess the properties of any extraordinary or
unusual materials used in its ‘construction’.
Armour: Artefact armour may be a single armour
piece or a complete suit. It always provides an
armour bonus to AC equal to a suit of mundane
armour of the same sort, regardless of how complete
it seems. Thus, an artefact scale helmet provides the
same protection as (and the penalties of) a full suit
of scale mail.
Armour artefacts can possess any magical quality
associated with armour or grant spell-like abilities.
The latter ability costs +1 power point per spell-like
ability granted by the artefact.
Codex (or Scroll): A codex or scroll contains
information, whether it is spells or more mundane
information. Both consist of scrawling, arcane
writing scribed onto exotic papers. A codex has
covers made of metal, wood or exotic leather while
a scroll simply rolls up. Both are effectively infinite
in terms of how much information they contain,
they add pages and text as needed without outside
intervention.
Codex artefacts grant bonuses to skills, store spells
or contain spells the user may cast as if the codex
were a normal magical scroll. They cannot use
powers from the armour or weapon’s abilities list but
may infuse them into other objects.
Ring: Artefact rings look like anything from a
simple leather strap to an elaborately worked
platinum ring set with unearthly gems. Regardless
of their appearance each wields considerable power,
both as a focus for the wielder and as independent
entities in their own right.
Ring artefacts grant bonuses to skills and grant spell-
like abilities. A ring may also grant the wielder’s
weapons, armour or shield appropriate properties.
Shield: Artefact shields look like masterwork
shields of various makes. These shields range
from simple leather stretched over a wicker frame
to embossed steel shields as large as a man is tall.
Regardless of its other functions the shield performs
as a masterwork shield of the appropriate type.

Artefact Templates
Template Corresponding Item Type Physical Manifestation
Armour Magical Armour Masterwork suit of armour
Codex or Scroll Scroll Book or scroll made of rare materials
Ring Magical Ring Ring or bracelet made of precious metal
Shield Magical Shield Masterwork shield of any type
Weapon Magical Weapon Masterwork weapon of any type
Wonder Wondrous Items Any masterwork item, gemstone or object d’ art

141
 GIFTS

Shield artefacts may have any shield ability or grant
spell-like abilities.
Weapon: Artefact weapons are masterwork weapons
of any sort. They may appear to incorporate
extraordinary materials but do not gain any bonus
for doing so.
Weapon artefacts can possess any magical quality
associated with a weapon or grant spell-like abilities.
The latter ability costs +1 power point per spell-like
ability granted by the artefact.
Wonder: Wonders are artefact objects of all sorts,
from amulets to clockwork men. Each wonder is a
unique item derived from an Immortal’s imagination.
As such, it does not have to obey any of the limits or
logic of physical materials. However, since most
Immortals come from relatively mundane worlds,
wonders tend to assume relatively recognisable
forms.
Wonders grant spell-like abilities, grant bonuses
to various character attributes or give the character
access to powers usually associated with categories
of wondrous items. Many are highly intelligent but
they may have trouble communicating with non-
Immortal characters.
Power Points
Each artefact gift gives the character the opportunity
to create a powerful magical item customised
to his needs that grows as his power expands.
Mechanically, this is represented by the concept of
power points.
Each artefact starts with five power points. As
the Immortal invests power points through the use
of the channel skill the artefact gains additional
power points the Immortal may spend to increase
its powers.
The number of power points an artefact gains per
point of Aura invested depends on the result of the
Immortal’s Channel or Infuse check.
Artefact Channel and Infuse
Like all gifts, artefact gifts allow the Immortal to use
either the Channel or the Infuse skill to affect the
game world. In the case of artefact gifts the Channel
skill allows the Immortal to increase the power of
the artefact itself, while the Infuse skill allows the
Immortal to ‘imbue’ other similar objects with a
fraction of his artefact’s power.
Artefact Gift Results for Channel and Infuse
Skill Check Channel Infuse
Result
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 2 points per Aura Infused
21-30 4 points per Aura 1 point per Aura
31-40 6 points per Aura 2 points per Aura
41+ 8 points per Aura 3 points per Aura
Channel: An Immortal uses the Channel skill to
invest his Aura into an existing artefact. This Aura
investment increases the available power points
within the artefact. When the Immortal makes his
Channel check and invests the Aura he must also
decide which abilities he would like to purchase for
the artefact. If the Immortal makes multiple Channel
checks to grant his artefact additional powers he
must maintain the information about which Aura
points purchased which abilities.
Infuse: An Immortal uses the Infuse skill to imbue
objects similar to his artefact with a portion of
the artefact’s power. The object to be imbued
must remain in physical contact with the artefact
throughout the infusion process. If the Immortal
succeeds at his Infuse check he invests one point of
Aura into the object. The object gains one ability
possessed by the artefact. If the Infuse check

Power Point Costs

Artefact Armour Weapon Spell-like Wondrous Item
Template Attribute Attribute Attribute Ability Skill Bonus Ability
Armour At Cost 1 per +1 NA 2 per level NA NA
Codex At Cost 2 per +1 2 per +1 1 per level* 1 per +2 NA
Ring At Cost 2 per +1 2 per +1 1 per level 1 per +1 1 per 2 CL
Shield At Cost 1 per +1 NA 2 per level NA 1 per CL
Weapon At Cost NA 1 per +1 2 per level NA 1 per CL
Wonder At Cost 1 per +1 3 per +1 1 per level 1 per +2 1 per 3 CL
*2 per level if it is any spell rather than a specific spell

142

result exceeds 20 or more the Immortal may invest
additional Aura into the object, granting it power
points at the ratio defined above. He may only
spend these power points on abilities his artefact
also possesses.
What Power Points Buy
When an Immortal gains an artefact gift or invests
Aura into an artefact he gains a specific number
of ‘power points’ he can use to purchase abilities.
The abilities available to an artefact depend on its
template; the cost of these abilities is listed on the
Power Point Costs table on page 142.
Artefact Attribute: All artefacts share equally in the
ability to obtain the special artefact attributes listed
below.
Armour Attribute: The artefact may possess any of
the armour attributes (including simple AC bonus)
from any magical item list. The Immortal must
spend the specified number of power points per +1
or +1 equivalent to activate the ability in his artefact.
For abilities without a bonus equivalent each 10,000
gp costs one power point (minimum one).
Weapon Attribute: The artefact may possess any
of the weapon attributes (including simple attack
and damage roll bonus) from any magic item list.
The Immortal must spend the specified number of
power points per +1 or +1 equivalent to activate the
ability in his artefact. For abilities without a bonus
equivalent each 10,000 gp costs one power point
(minimum one).
Spell-like Ability: The artefact grants the wielder the
ability to cast a spell at a caster level equal to the
Immortal’s total character level + his total number of
victories associated with the power source granting
the artefact gift (maximum 20). The character may
use this spell-like ability three times a day. Each
additional use of the spell-like ability per day costs
one power point.
Intelligence/Wisdom/Charisma by Aura Investment for Artefacts
Aura Armour Codex Ring
1–4 4 4 4 4
5–8 6 7 8 6
9–12 8 10 12
13–16 10 13 16
17–20 12 16 20
21+ 14 19 24
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GIFTS
In the case of a codex the Immortal may specify this
ability grants access to a specific number of spell
levels per day. He may then cast either arcane or
divine spells (selected at the time of the artefact’s
creation) spontaneously chosen at the time of casting
whose levels do not total more than the total number
of allowed spells per day.
Skill Bonus: The item’s wielder gains a competence
bonus to a skill equal to the amount purchased.
Wondrous Item Ability: The item gains a power from
a wondrous item not covered under one of the other,
above headings.
Artefact Intelligence
All artefacts are intelligent; most, however, rarely
speak up. Artefacts gain intelligence as the Immortal
invests his Aura into them, as described on the table
below. An intelligent artefact can use its powers
on its own but will always serve its master’s best
interest regardless of its ego. The ‘intelligence’ is
simply an extension of the Immortal’s own spirit; it
cannot turn against him.
Artefacts do not gain intelligent item abilities,
regardless of their Intelligence, Wisdom or Charisma
attributes. They have skill points equal to their
Intelligence modifier multiplied by five.
Artefacts can communicate with their wielder or
others and have an awareness of the world around
them based on their base attribute score. The artefact
may communicate with any creature it is aware of
(see the Artefact Communication table above).
Ego
Artefacts use the same rules for ego as other
intelligent items.
Artefact Abilities
All Immortal artefacts may purchase one or more of
the following abilities at the listed power point cost.
Shield Weapon Wonder
4 4
7 6
8 10 8
10 13 10
12 16 12
14 19 14
GIFTS
Artefact Communication
Base Attributes Communications Methods
4 Empathy and whispers
10 As above, Dreams and visions
16 As above, Telepathic communication
22 As above, Vocal conversation
These abilities represent the unique powers artefacts
gain from their association with the Immortal.
Automatic Infusion: All objects similar to the
artefact within 30 feet gain the abilities the Immortal
purchased with the first five power points that
came with the artefact template. The objects lose
these abilities when they pass outside of the area of
effect. This infusion does not cost the Immortal any
additional Aura.
Automatic Infusion does not grant itself to any
object it infuses. It does not infuse already magical
objects within the area of effect, even if they would
otherwise qualify for the infusion. The effect does
not grant powers to objects wielded by individuals
hostile to the Immortal.
Power Point Cost: 2 + 1 per additional 30 feet
radius
Self Restoring: The artefact’s basic template
becomes part of the material plane itself. If the
artefact is destroyed it automatically reforms without
the Immortal’s intervention within 2d4 days. The
Immortal will have to seek out the newly reformed
artefact.
Power Point Cost: 1
Sheltered: The artefact can only be destroyed at
the wellspring of a specific primal power. At every
other wellspring the artefact retains its immunity to
mundane or magical damage.
Power Point Cost: 2
Tethered: If the artefact is stolen it returns to
the wielder within 24 hours if the thief loses it
or is killed. The artefact returns to the Immortal
regardless of where he may be in the universe.
Power Point Cost: 3
144
Awareness
Location of creator and current wielder
As above, 60 feet dark vision
As above, 120 feet dark vision
As above, 240 feet tremorsense
Example Artefact Gifts
The following example artefact gifts show how a
Games Master or player might use the rules above to
create his own, unique artefact.
Blade of Valour
Weapon Artefact Gift (War 2, Covenant,
Longsword)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP):
+2 bonus, Automatic Infusion 60 feet
Channel (Result 24, 4/1, 3 Aura, 12 PP): +3 bonus,
shield of faith (CL 18, 4/per day), dancing, flaming
burst
The Immortal smith and warrior Clrn Glynwdr,
Champion of the Gods of Old, forged the Blade of
Valour when he first set foot on the long path to
immortality. This sturdy blade started out as a +2
longsword capable of granting a +2 bonus to his
allies’ longswords as well.
When Clrn ascended from Aspirant to Wielder he
infused more of his Immortal Aura into the blade.
Now it functions as a +5 dancing flaming burst
longsword. It also allows him to cast shield of
faith as an 18th level cleric four times per day. It
still grants a +2 bonus to all mundane longswords
wielded by his allies within a 60 foot radius.
Jewelled Owl
Wonder Artefact Gift (Magic 4, Tap, Gold and gems
clockwork owl)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP):
Serpentine Owl, identify 3/per day
This clockwork owl with golden feathers and ruby
eyes flew down to sit on Luinrilion’s shoulder when
he overcame the demon Ru’kis for dominion over
Sargon’s Stone. For now it acts as an able companion
and advisor who knows much about magical items
and little about anything else. The elusive elf has
considered investing more of his own power into it,
but has not yet taken that step.

Raven’s Helm
Armour Artefact Gift (Animals 1, Covenant, Plate
armour)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP):
+2 bonus, invulnerable
The Immortal Rahul earned the Raven’s Helm when
he slew the Great Raven in a barroom brawl. He
now wear’s Raven’s skull as a helmet. This helm
provides him with the protection of a suit of +2
invulnerable plate armour.
Sun’s Golden Shield
Shield Artefact Gift (Protection 3, Covenant, Large
shield)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP):
+5 bonus
Channel (Result 26, 4/1, 10 Aura, 40 PP): +2
bonus, holy sword (CL 20, 5/per day), sunburst (CL
20, 3/per day), resist acid/cold/electrical/fire/sonic
10
An unknown paladin of the sun god received this
shield early on in his career. When he transcended
to become a god of good he left his shield behind as
a token of his compassion for mortals’ plight. Any
man who dares to wield this simple steel shield with
a sun embossed on it gains a fearsome ally in his
fight for right. The Sun’s Golden Shield is a +7
large shield granting ten points of resistance to all
forms of energy damage. It can cast holy sword as a
20th level paladin five times per day and sunburst as
a 20th level cleric three times per day.
St. Aleric’s Prayer Book
Codex Artefact Gift (Good 1, Tap, Tattered book)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1 Aura/5PP): 2
levels of divine spells per day, blessing (CL 4, 3/per
day)
When St. Aleric died he left behind a small, tattered
prayer book. Any man of good heart or one capable
of overwhelming the book’s relatively weak ego
Attributes
can flip through it to find a prayer the gods will
answer. The wielder can cast bless three times per
day. Additionally, he can cast two levels of divine
spells of his choice per day. This may be two 1st level
spells, one 2nd level spell, four 0 level spells or some
combination thereof.
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GIFTS
The Ring of Souls
Ring Artefact Gift (Evil 4, Covenant, Plain gold
ring)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (21 Aura, Result
41, 8/1, 165 PP): Sheltered, +11 to Spellcraft, +11
Knowledge (arcana); Armour Attributes (granted
to all armour the wielder wears): invulnerability,
improved resistance (acid, cold, electrical, fire,
sonic), Weapon attributes (granted to all weapons
the wielder uses): unholy, vorpal , wounding; Spell-
like abilities (CR 20, 5/per day): greater invisibility,
suggestion, dominate person, dominate monster,
summon monster IX; Wondrous Items: amulet
of planes, amulet of proof against detection and
location, mirror of mental prowess, periapt of health
and periapt of proof against poison
When the Dark Lord ascended to the Throne of Bone
he crafted a ring of pure gold. They say so long as
the ring sits on his finger he can never be defeated by
any man or god.
The ring grants him remarkable powers. In addition
to giving the Dark Lord DR 5/– it also makes him
resistant to the first 20 points of damage form any
kind of energy attack. Furthermore it enchants his
weapons, causing them to act as though they were
unholy vorpal weapons of wounding. The ring can
cast a variety of dominating spells five times per day,
usually on targets it identifies of its own volition.
The ring also makes its bearer immune to detection
spells, disease and poisons, acts as a scrying device,
reveals the thoughts of those within 25 feet and
allows the wielder to travel the planes as easily as
most people walk through a door.
The ring is a highly intelligent servant of its lord. It
rarely bothers to speak with lesser mortals, instead
dominating them if they are foolish enough to come
into contact with it.
When legends speak of Immortals they often mention
their incredible strength, their agelessness and
similar unusual powers. In these stories, ascension
into Immortality caused the would-be god’s fragile
flesh to transform into something infinitely greater.
This transformation, caused by the substitution of
fragile mortality with infinitely stronger materials
derived from the six elements, gives the Immortal
abilities other creatures simply could not sustain.
GIFTS
Behind the Curtain: Attributes
Attributes permanently take one point of the
Immortal’s Aura. In return it grants a minor
bonus of some sort. As the character channels
more Aura into the attribute it becomes stronger,
granting ever more impressive bonuses. The
Immortal can manipulate his bonuses as
required by shifting his Aura from one attribute
to another. Each attribute has an associated and
a forbidden power source: it gains a bonus if
the Immortal takes it as the result of a victory
associated with that power source, and cannot
be taken as part of a victory associated with a
forbidden source.
These abilities are called attributes. These attributes
always function at a low level but can become truly
impressive when the Immortal channels his Aura into
his body to increase their effects. Some particularly
skilled Immortals can infuse their Aura into mortal
creatures, transforming their bodies slightly
Each attribute gift represents a unique alteration to
the Immortal’s body caused by his exposure to the
universe’s primal forces. As the Immortal grows in
power he can reinforce these changes with his own
remarkable powers, accentuating the change in order
to grant himself even greater powers.
Associated and Forbidden
Powers
Generally an Immortal may select any attribute listed
below as a gift from any challenge. It is possible to
rationalise just about any possible combination
of abilities, barring a few obvious contradictions.
Similarly, there exist obvious synergies between
some of the power sources and the listed attributes.
In order to handle both the contradictions and the
synergies the attributes listed below have both an
associated and a forbidden power. If the Immortal
selects an attribute as a gift related to its associated
power he enhances the gift. Conversely he may not
select an attribute as a gift for a victory related to the
forbidden power.
When an Immortal chooses a gift associated with the
power source he increases the bonus per Aura ration
by +1. For example, if his Channel check resulted in
a +4 per Aura point he gains +5 instead.
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The flavour text associated with each attribute
assumes the Immortal gained the gift from its
associated power. This does not mean that the
character cannot gain the gift from another power.
Rather, it explains how the power most closely
associated with the gift causes it to manifest in the
character’s body or soul.
Attribute: Channel and Infuse
An Immortal may use his Channel and Infuse skills
to influence the bonuses and abilities granted by
his attribute gifts. The Channel skill increases the
bonuses the Immortal gains from the gift while
the Infuse skill allows him to pass some level of
his personal powers on to a mortal he comes into
physical contact with.
Attribute Gift Results for Channel and
Infuse
Skill Check Result Channel Infuse
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 +1 per Aura Failure
21-30 +2 per Aura Infused
31-40 +3 per Aura +1 per Aura
41+ +4 per Aura +2 per Aura
Channel: The Immortal channels his Aura into his
own body. The result causes his physical form to
alter to accommodate more metaphysical changes,
thereby granting him one or more bonuses. These
bonuses affect the attribute as it applies to the
Immortal, not any of his infused targets.
Infuse: The Immortal channels his Aura through
his attribute gift and into any mortal he can reach
with a touch attack. If his check result exceeds
19 the Immortal infuses the target with the base
version of the attribute. This invests one point of
the Immortal’s Aura. If the check result exceeds 30
the Immortal may invest additional Aura in the target
mortal at the specified bonus ratio.
An Immortal cannot target another Immortal or
a deity with this ability. Only mortal creatures
have the ability to become infused with Immortal
attributes.
If the Immortal dies the infused gift lasts until the
mortal uses it one final time. In the case of bonuses
this use occurs on the next occasion the bonus
applies. In the case of powers that grant a pool

of abilities or bonuses for a day, the pool does not
replenish; when the mortal finally expends the pool
it vanishes forever.
An Infused mortal radiates a strong magical aura
of indeterminate nature. The Immortal’s alignment
tinges the aura, allowing the mortal to appear to
appropriate detection spells. This Aura does not
overwhelm the mortal’s original aura. Instead, it
may look as though the mortal has two separate,
distinct auras vying for control over the space he
occupies.
Recording Attribute Gifts
Attribute gifts use the following format on the
character sheet:
Name
Attribute Gift ((Power or Domain) (Victory Number),
Covenant or Tap)
Current Investment: How many Aura points the
character has invested in the attribute.
Base Bonus: The base bonus or ability the attribute
grants.
Total Bonus: The current bonus or ability the
attribute grants.
Additionally each attribute entry below contains the
following additional information:
Associated Power: If this entry matches the power
or term entry in the attribute’s association, Channel
efforts into the attribute gain a +1 bonus to their
resulting bonus to Aura ratio.
Forbidden Power: The attribute cannot be taken as
a gift for a victory associated with the listed power
or covenant term.
Description: A textual description of the attribute,
its in-game effects and its likely consequences.
All attribute gifts have a minimum Aura threshold
of one.
Attribute Descriptions
Within the limits stated above any Immortal may
freely select from the following list of attributes.
Binder’s Secrets
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Law Domain
Forbidden Power: Chaos Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of enchantment spells per
day from any spell list
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Description: The lords of law hold the secret words
and charms capable of binding any being to their
will. They share this knowledge with their chosen
servants, though some say the price for the knowledge
is the servant’s own soul. Once an Immortal learns
these charms they change him forever, binding him
ever closer to the service of law’s lords.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops
the ability to spontaneously cast five levels of
enchantment spells per day. He may cast any
number of spells, of any level, so long as the total
number of spell levels comes to five or less. Casting
each spell is a standard action that provokes an attack
of opportunity. The Immortal casts these spells with
an effective caster level equal to his total number of
victories plus his Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Born to Magic
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Magic Domain
Forbidden Power: Knowledge Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to apply one metamagic
feat to 1st level spells
Description: An Immortal sworn to the lords of
magic’s service gains access to their scientific
knowledge regarding the most mysterious of powers.
This knowledge enables the Immortal to perform
magical feats capable of astounding even the wisest
archmage.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he may
select one metamagic feat. He gains this feat and
the ability to automatically apply it to any 1st level
spell he casts. The feat applies to all of his 1st level
spells automatically. He does not need to know the
metamagic feat he selects for this spell.
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift
he may use the bonus to add any of the following:
† A new metamagic feat: A new metamagic feat
costs a number of bonus points equal to twice
GIFTS
Attributes
Name
Binder’s Secrets
Born to Magic
Bright Brow
Bringer of Changes
Brother of the Wild
Champion’s Wisdom
Death’s Right Hand
Eternal Youth
Eye on the Horizon
Eyes of the Stranger
Fire in the Heart
Frozen Heart
Golden Skin
Healer’s Hand
Heart of Steel and Stone
Held in the Law
Heroic Destiny
Lord of Chaos
Lord of Evil
Lord of Good
Lord of the Green
Lord of the Wild
Mantle of the Wind
Moon’s Silver Mirror
Mountains and Clouds
On Eagles’ Wings
Peoples’ Champion
Rage’s Red Flame
Reborn Champion
Rise from the Ashes
Roots Run Deep
Sage’s Left Hand
Shadowed Soul
Shield of Will
Shining Soul
Singer of Celestial Harmonies Ability to use plane shift at will
Son of the Light
Strength of Stone
The Lady’s Favour
The Power to Be
Touch of Ash and Dust
Trickster’s Laughter
Base Bonus
Cast 5 levels of enchantment spells per day from any spell list
Gain the ability to apply one metamagic feat to 1st level spells
Cast 5 levels of evocation spells per day from any spell list
Cast 5 levels of transmutation spells per day from any spell list
Transform into the form of one animal.
Gain proficiency with all simple and martial weapons or gain access to one feat
from the fighter bonus list
Cast 5 levels of necromancy spells per day from any spell list
Regress to the prime of youth
Add +5 feet to one of the character’s movement rates
Gain a +2 bonus to all Int-based skills
Gain Energy Resistance 5 to the energy type of the Immortal’s choice
Become undead
Gain DR 1/–
Cast 5 levels of cure or restore spells per day from any spell list
Gain one item creation feat
Cast 5 levels of abjuration spells per day from any spell list
Gain one feat from the list
Emanate a chaotic aura over a 10-foot per point of positive Cha modifier radius
Emanate an evil aura over a 10-foot per point of positive Cha modifier radius
Emanate a good aura over a 10-foot per point of positive Cha modifier radius
Cast 5 levels of druid spells targeting or affecting plants each day
Cast 5 levels of druid spells targeting or affecting animals each day
Gains a +2 bonus to all Dexterity-based skills
Cast 5 levels of illusion spells per day from any spell list
Successful save redirects effect into environment
Gain fly 30 ft (perfect)
Gain a +1 bonus to AC and attack rolls when defending a specific nation
Gain the barbarian rage ability, usable up to Con modifier times per day
Spawn avatars when you Transcend who continue to act in your place
Gain the ability to return to life after dying
Gain the plant type
Cast 5 levels of divination spells per day from any spell list
Emanate a 10-foot radius aura that suppresses good-aligned creatures
Gain a +1 bonus to all Con-based skills and a +1 bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and
Will saving throws
Emanate a 10-foot radius aura that suppresses evil-aligned creatures
Emanate daylight in a 30-foot radius
Gains a +2 bonus to Str-based skills
Gain +5 luck bonus the Immortal may spend on skill checks after the check is
made but before resolution
Gain Regeneration 1
Emanate a destructive aura covering a 10-foot per point of positive Cha modifier
radius
Gain one feat from the list
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Name Base Bonus

Unbound from the Wheel Gain the ability to take many forms after Transcending
Voice of the Champion Gain a +2 bonus to Cha-based skills
Voice of the Flame Gain the ability to transform into a fire elemental-like form
Voice of the Stranger Gain a +2 bonus to Wis-based skills
Wave Walker Gain the ability to transform into a water elemental-like form
the number of spell levels the metamagic feat
normally adds to the spell.
† +1 level to the level of the spell effected by one
of the feats: Adding +1 to the level of spells
automatically affected by one of the gift’s feats
costs a number of bonus points equal to twice
the number of spell levels the metamagic feat
normally adds to the spell.
Example: Extend Spell (the metamagic feat) causes
an affected spell to use up a spell slot one level
higher than normal. It would cost two bonus points
to add it and each level of spell affected past the first
costs two additional bonus points.
Bright Brow
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Sun Domain
Forbidden Power: Destruction Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of evocation spells per
day from any spell list
Description: The lord of the sun crowns his
champions with golden light. This light, which
manifests as a shining radiance around the
Immortal’s head, taps directly into the sun’s power.
An Immortal can shape the sun’s light into a wide
variety of energy related effects.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of evocation
spells per day. He may cast any number of spells, of
any level, so long as the total number of spell levels
comes to five or less. Casting each spell is a standard
action that provokes an attack of opportunity. The
Immortal casts these spells with an effective caster
level equal to his total number of victories plus his
Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Bringer of Changes
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Chaos Domain
Forbidden Power: Law Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of transmutation spells
per day from any spell list
Description: An Immortal who drinks deep at
chaos’ wellspring discovers that a subtle hand can
direct even the most sudden of changes. Once his
transformation completes he can sense the seeds of
change in even the most stable objects. This sense
leads him in turn to the ability to fan that change,
causing seemingly magical transformations in his
surroundings.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops
the ability to spontaneously cast five levels of
transformation spells per day. He may cast any
number of spells, of any level, so long as the total
number of spell levels comes to five or less. Casting
each spell is a standard action that provokes an attack
of opportunity. The Immortal casts these spells with
an effective caster level equal to his total number of
victories plus his Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Brother of the Wild
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Animals
Forbidden Power: Animal Domain
Base Bonus: Transform into the form of one animal

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GIFTS
Description: When an Immortal associates himself
with the collective power of animals he learns to
unleash the beast within his own soul. When he
does so he transforms into a beast himself, with
all of the associated benefits and problems such a
change entails.
When the Immortal gains this gift he may select
one normal animal he wishes to transform into.
Transforming is a free action that does not provoke
an attack of opportunity. The Immortal gains all of
the physical attributes of his new form but retains
his mental abilities, skills, gifts and class abilities.
Unlike a character under a polymorph effect the
Immortal can communicate while in his altered
form.
As an Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
develops the ability to transform into other creatures.
He may select creatures from the animal, magical
beast or vermin types. Each alternate form costs
a number of bonus points equal to its Challenge
Rating.
This gift does not allow the Immortal to transform
himself into a unique creature.
Champion’s Wisdom
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: War Domain
Forbidden Power: Protection Domain
Base Bonus: Gain proficiency with all simple and
martial weapons or gain access to one feat from the
fighter bonus list
Description: The lords of war may not know
everything there is to know about the art of martial
conflict but they certainly know more than any other
mortal, Immortal or deity. If they attempted to share
this knowledge with their servants it would take
them centuries of individual instruction simply to
get the former mortals to hold their swords correctly.
To save time the lords of war imbue their knowledge
directly into their servant’s bodies. This imbuing
transforms even a relatively unskilled warrior into
a deadly killing machine; those with great innate
talent for war can transcend every mortal limitation
to become like unto their masters.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he becomes
proficient with all simple and martial weapons. If he
is already proficient with these weapons he gains one
feat from the fighter bonus feat list. He must meet
the feat’s prerequisites normally.
150
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift
he may spend the bonus points in two ways:
† Increase a fighter feat bonus by +1: Add the
bonus directly to the bonus granted by any feat
from the fighter list. He may add this bonus to
feats from his mortal career or from this gift
† Add a feat to the gift: Adding a feat to the gift
costs a number of bonus points equal to twice the
total of the attribute modifier, base attack bonus
and total number of other feats listed in the feat
prerequisites (minimum one). The Immortal must
meet the prerequisites in order to add the feat.
Example: Adding the Dodge feat costs 2 bonus
points (Dex 13 gives a +1 bonus x2). Adding Spring
Attack costs 14 bonus points (Dex 13 for 1, Dodge
and Mobility for 2, base attack bonus +4 for a total
of 7 x 2).
Death’s Right Hand
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Death Domain
Forbidden Power: Healing Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of necromancy spells per
day from any spell list
Description: The lords of death grant their servants
tremendous lassitude when it comes to wielding
their power so long as they bring ruin and woe into
mortal lives. They also unlock the secrets of death
itself, granting the Immortal the ability to cross the
ultimate barrier as easily as mortals walk through an
open door.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops
the ability to spontaneously cast five levels of
necromancy spells per day. He may cast any number
of spells, of any level, so long as the total number
of spell levels comes to five or less. Casting each
spell is a standard action that provokes an attack of
opportunity. The Immortal casts these spells with
an effective caster level equal to his total number of
victories plus his Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Eternal Youth

Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Positive Energy
Forbidden Power: Negative Energy
Base Bonus: Regress to the prime of youth
Description: The power of positive energy floods
the Immortal’s body, clearing away the damage done
by time and change. Moments after accepting this
gift the Immortal returns to the prime of youth. He
gains back any attribute loss from ageing but keeps
any attribute bonuses he gained from time’s steady
march.
While the Immortal maintains this gift he cannot age
through any means. If a spell requires the character
to age as part of its casting cost the Immortal cannot
use that spell under any circumstances. Furthermore,
the Immortal can survive down to –40 hit points and
his massive damage threshold rises to 80 hit points.
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift
the bonus points add directly to either his negative
hit point threshold or his massive damage threshold.
Eye on the Horizon
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Travel Domain
Forbidden Power: Protection
Base Bonus: Add +5 feet to one of the character’s
movement rates
Description: The lords of travel always urge their
servants to find new, better and faster ways to move
from one point to another. This constant quest
leads the lord’s servants to become some of the
fastest beings in the world. Of course, speed is not
everything – for these men, it is the only thing.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains
a +5 foot bonus to any single movement rate (e.g.
base, burrow, fly, swim). If he does not possess this
movement rate normally the bonus hangs ‘in reserve’
for those occasions when he gains the movement rate
through other means.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift his
speed improves dramatically. Each bonus point adds
+5 feet to a single movement rate. Although there
may be an upper limit to the character’s speed only
the gods know if an Immortal has ever achieved it.
Eyes of the Stranger
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Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Knowledge
Forbidden Power: Magic
Base Bonus: Gain a +2 bonus to all Intelligence-
based skills
Description: When an Immortal taps into abstract
knowledge he gains access not only to the static
information contained in the lords of knowledge’s
dusty tomes but to the very process by which
knowledge comes into being. This connection to the
fundamental power of curiosity allows them to do
more than just search for what others already know,
it infuses them with the power to make, to seek, to
discover and to dream.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he
gains a +2 bonus to all Intelligence-based skills.
Furthermore all Intelligence-based skills become
class skills for the character when he advances in
any mortal class.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Intelligence-based skills on a one for one basis.
There is no upper limit to the bonus an Immortal
may apply to a single skill. This bonus stacks with
the generic +2 bonus granted by the gift’s base
function.
Fire in the Heart
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Fire
Forbidden Power: Water
Base Bonus: Gain Energy Resistance 5 to the energy
type of the Immortal’s choice
Description: As the Immortal drinks deep of
elemental fire the power of unbinding infuses his
being. This power prevents unstable forces (i.e.
the various energy types) from remaining coherent
enough to harm the Immortal. The more of this
power the Immortal draws into himself the more
protection he gains.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains
Energy Resistance 5 against one energy type from
the following list: acid, cold, fire, electrical or sonic.
This ability prevents the first 5 points of damage
dealt by an attack of the appropriate energy type.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift he
 GIFTS
may spend the bonus points in two ways:
† Add an additional energy type: The Immortal may
add additional energy types by spending bonus
points as indicated on the table below. Each time
the Immortal adds an energy type he gains Energy
Resistance 5 against that force type.
Bonus Point
Cost Energy Type
1 Acid, cold, fire, electrical and sonic
3 Positive and negative
† Increase resistance: Each bonus point increases
the Immortal’s resistance to one kind of energy by
one point.
Frozen Heart
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Negative
Forbidden Power: Positive
Base Bonus: Become undead
Description: When an Immortal drinks too deeply
† Increase Armour Class: For two bonus points the
of negative energy he attains a kind of half-life
sometimes referred to as undeath. His body withers
and dies while his spirit lives on. Within this
† Increase Damage Resistance: For one bonus
animated shell the Immortal can exist for millennia,
slowly grinding through eternity without ever tasting
any of life’s myriad joys.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he gains the
undead type. He also takes 1d6 damage per round
from exposure to sunlight and must make a Will save
(DC 30) to be able to use his gifts, class abilities or
spell-casting abilities while so exposed.
As the Immortal invests his Aura in this gift he
may:
† Increase a base attribute: Each +1 bonus to a
specific attribute costs two bonus points.
† Reduce sun damage: Each –1 to the d6 roll costs
two bonus points.
† Reduce Will save DC: Each –1 costs one bonus
point.
† Place life in object: The Immortal places his life
into an object outside of his body. So long as the
object exists the Immortal cannot die. If his body
suffers complete destruction it reforms in 1d4
days. This costs four bonus points.
Golden Skin
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Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Water
Forbidden Power: Fire
Base Bonus: Gain DR 1/–
Description: Drinking deeply of elemental water
causes the Immortal’s body to become extremely
flexible and resistant. His skin resists damage done
by mundane sources, granting him both passive
protection from attack and tremendous resilience
to various forms of damage. In many cases the
Immortal’s skin takes on a golden hue as if he were
formed of polished bronze.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he receives
DR 1/–. This Damage Resistance stacks with
damage resistance the character possesses from
other sources.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift he
gradually increases the protection it grants him.
He may spend his bonus points in any one of the
following ways:
Immortal may grant himself a +1 natural bonus to
his Armour Class.
point the Immortal may add +1 to his Damage
Resistance against one of the following damage
types: bludgeoning, piercing or slashing. This
DR stacks with the base DR provided by this gift
and with other forms of Damage Resistance the
Immortal may already possess.
Healer’s Hand
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Healing Domain
Forbidden Power: Death Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of cure or restore spells
per day from any spell list
Description: The lords of healing grant their
servants both tremendous life and the ability to pass
that life to others. So long as they remain conscious
the lords’ servants can heal any injury, even death
itself.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of spells
with the word cure or restore in their name per day.
He may cast any number of spells, of any level, so
long as the total number of spell levels comes to five
or less. Casting each spell is a standard action that

provokes an attack of opportunity. The Immortal
casts these spells with an effective caster level equal
to his total number of victories plus his Intelligence
modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Heart of Steel and Stone
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Earth Domain
Forbidden Power: Air Domain
Base Bonus: Gain one item creation feat
Description: The lords of earth hold the secrets
of crafting and magical binding. They share these
secrets with those of their servants who willingly take
on the essence of earth into their own bodies. These
secrets make the servants the craftsmen to the gods
but can also be used to create objects of remarkable
magical power for the servants’ own use.
When the Immortal receives this gift he gains one
item creation feat. He may use this feat normally
and does not have to meet the feat’s prerequisites to
select it.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may use the bonus points in one of two ways:
† Add a new item creation feat: Adding a new item
creation feat costs a number of bonus points equal
to the feat’s minimum level requirement.
† Reduce XP cost for the item: Each bonus point
reduces the XP cost for creating a magic item
with one of the Immortal’s item creation feats by
5%. The Immortal may apply this reduction to
any item creation feat he knows.
Held in the Law
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Law
Forbidden Power: Chaos
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of abjuration spells per
day from any spell list
Description: When an Immortal drinks deeply of
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mythic law his senses transform. He begins to see
the stable order underlying even the most random
events. This sense allows him to stabilise and shield
that order thereby creating effects that mortals
mistake for magical protections.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of abjuration
spells per day. He may cast any number of spells, of
any level, so long as the total number of spell levels
comes to five or less. Casting each spell is a standard
action that provokes an attack of opportunity. The
Immortal casts these spells with an effective caster
level equal to his total number of victories plus his
Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Heroic Destiny
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Strength Domain
Forbidden Power: Hate
Base Bonus: Gain one feat from the list
Description: The lords of strength revel in all
things dealing with the mortal body and its infinite
potential. Their love of contests and competition
infects their servants as well. This joy expands
their servant’s abilities far beyond the mortal pale.
Recognising this, the servants often organise games
among themselves so that they continue to have
some kind of challenge.
When an Immortal first gains this gift he receives
one feat from the following list: Acrobatic, Agile,
Alertness, Athletic, Die-Hard, Endurance, Great
Fortitude, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Nimble
Fingers, Run, Self-Sufficient, Stealth and Toughness.
He must meet the prerequisite for this feat normally.
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift
he may spend the bonus points in two ways:
† Increase a feat bonus by +1: Add the bonus
directly to one bonus granted by any feat from the
above list. He may add this bonus to feats from
 GIFTS
his mortal career or from this gift.
† Add a feat to the gift: Adding a feat to the gift
costs a number of bonus points equal to twice the
total of the attribute modifier, base attack bonus
and total number of other feats listed in the feat
prerequisites (minimum one). The Immortal must
meet the prerequisites in order to add the feat.
Lord of Chaos
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Chaos Domain
Forbidden Power: Law Domain
Base Bonus: Emanate a chaotic aura over a 10-foot
per point of positive Cha modifier radius
Description: The lords of chaos sometimes anoint
one of their servants with a power that grows within
them over time. This power infuses the servant
with chaotic might. As this power leaks out of the
servant’s body it strengthens the forces of chaos
around him, suppressing mythic law and inspiring
those of chaotic alignment to greater heights.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he radiates
an aura of chaos in a radius equal to ten feet for every
point of his positive Charisma modifier (minimum
ten feet). All chaotic creatures within the area of
effect receive a +1 morale bonus to their Reflex
saving throws and attack rolls.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift this
chaotic force grows stronger. He may spend bonus
points associated with this gift to:
† Add effect: Every bonus point spent allows the
Immortal to add one of the following bonuses
for chaotic creatures within the area of effect:
damage, a skill or a saving throw.
† Increase effect: Every bonus point spent increases
one of the bonuses granted by the aura by +1.
† Increase radius: Every bonus point spent to
increase the radius increases the radius by +10
feet.
Lord of Evil
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Evil Domain
Forbidden Power: Good Domain
Base Bonus: Emanate an evil aura over a 10-foot per
point of positive Cha modifier radius
Description: The lords of evil will sometimes anoint
one of their servants as a lesser lord of evil. This
154
‘lord of evil’ is little more than a puppet in the hands
of the masters, but they will sometimes go so far
as to set their plaything up with his own court. Of
course, such a plan can backfire; a servant of evil
could easily gather enough power to overthrow his
masters to become a lord of evil in truth.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he radiates
an aura of evil in a radius equal to ten feet for every
point of his positive Charisma modifier (minimum
ten feet). All evil creatures within the area of effect
receive a +1 morale bonus to their attack and damage
rolls.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift this
chaotic force grows stronger. He may spend bonus
points associated with this gift to:
† Add effect: Every bonus point spent allows the
Immortal to add one of the following bonuses for
evil creatures within the area of effect: damage, a
skill or a saving throw.
† Increase effect: Every bonus point spent increases
one of the bonuses granted by the aura by +1.
† Increase radius: Every bonus point spent to
increase the radius increases the radius by +10
feet.
Lord of Good
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Good
Forbidden Power: Evil
Base Bonus: Emanate a good aura over 10 feet per
point of positive Cha modifier radius
Description: The lords of good anoint those of their
servants who will sacrifice anything to attain the
greatest good with their holy power. This power
strengthens good creatures around the anointed
servant, making him a living banner in the war for
the world’s souls.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he radiates
an aura of good in a radius equal to ten feet for every
point of his positive Charisma modifier (minimum
ten feet). All good creatures within the area of effect
receive a +1 morale bonus to their Armour Class and
Fortitude saving throws.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift this
force grows stronger. He may spend bonus points
associated with this gift to:
† Add effect: Every bonus point spent allows the
Immortal to add one of the following bonuses for
 GIFTS

good creatures within the area of effect: attack,
damage, a skill or a saving throw.
† Increase effect: Every bonus point spent increases
one of the bonuses granted by the aura by +1.
† Increase radius: Every bonus point spent to
increase the radius increases the radius by +10
feet.
Lord of the Green
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Plant Domain
Forbidden Power: Plants
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of druid spells targeting
or affecting plants each day
Description: The lords of the green often share the
keys to their kingdom with their devoted servants.
This gives the servant the power to command the
plants directly, though the Green does not always
obey those who claim dominion over it.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels
of spells per day from the druid list that
target or affect plants. He may cast any
number of spells, of any level, so long
as the total number of spell levels comes
to five or less. Casting each spell is a
standard action that provokes an attack
of opportunity. The Immortal casts these
spells with an effective caster level equal
to his total number of victories plus his
Intelligence modifier.
Forbidden Power: Animal
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of druid spells targeting
or affecting animals each day
Description: At times the beast lords will entrust one
of their servants with a portion of their dominion.
In theory this gives the servant the authority to
command a specific kind of beast. In reality it gives
the Immortal some influence over all creatures big
and small. A smart Immortal can parley this minor
authority and influence into a variety of minor
services every day from the world’s creatures.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of spells
per day from the druid spell list that target or affect
animals in some way. He may cast any number
of spells, of any level, so long as the total number
of spell levels comes to five or less. Casting each
spell is a standard action that provokes an attack of
opportunity. The Immortal casts these spells with
an effective caster level equal to his total number of

The Immortal may use this gift to cast

summon nature’s ally spells but can only
summon plants.

The Immortal may use metamagic

feats to influence these spells using the
normal rules for spontaneous casting
and metamagic feats. If he possesses a
gift affecting metamagic feats he may
add that gift’s modifiers to spells he
casts using this gift

When the Immortal channels his Aura

into this attribute the bonus increases his
total number of available spell levels per
day.

Lord of the Wild

Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Animal Domain

155
GIFTS
victories plus his Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift.
The Immortal may use this gift to cast summon
nature’s ally spells but can only summon animals
and magical beasts.
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Mantle of the Wind
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Wind
Forbidden Power: Earth
Base Bonus: Gains a +2 bonus to all Dexterity-
based skills
Description: An Immortal who drinks deeply of
elemental wind finds his body transformed by the
experience. His mortal flesh becomes lighter and
more prone to motion. In time the wind within him
moves the Immortal’s physical form in accordance
with his thoughts, granting him a grace unknowable
by lesser beings.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains a
+2 bonus to all Dexterity-based skills. Furthermore
all Dexterity-based skills become class skills for the
character when he advances in any mortal class.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Dexterity-based skills on a one for one basis. There
is no upper limit to the bonus an Immortal may apply
to a single skill. This bonus stacks with the generic
+2 bonus granted by the gift’s base function.
Moon’s Silver Mirror
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Moon
Forbidden Power: Sun
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of illusion spells per day
from any spell list
Description: Although the moon may not be the
source of all magic it does play an important role
in the functioning of illusions and glamours. Its
156
servants, infused with its light, can channel that
light to trick the eye and fool the mind of any mortal
creature. Immortals are generally less susceptible to
the moon’s trickery but that does not mean they can
blithely ignore its power.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of abjuration
spells per day. He may cast any number of spells, of
any level, so long as the total number of spell levels
comes to five or less. Casting each spell is a standard
action that provokes an attack of opportunity. The
Immortal casts these spells with an effective caster
level equal to his total number of victories plus his
Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Mountains and Clouds
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Protection Domain
Forbidden Power: Destruction Domain
Base Bonus: Successful save redirects effect into
environment
Description: The lords of protection know the world
wraps itself in layers of inertia and stasis in order to
protect itself from harm. They teach this truth to their
servants then alter their bodies so that each servant
can redirect damaging effects from themselves into
the environment around them.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he gains the
ability to redirect damage dealt to him by a magical
spell or Immortal power and redirect it into the
environment. If he makes a successful saving throw
against the effect he takes no damage but an object
of his choice within a 40-foot radius suffers the full
effect.
If the Immortal wishes to when he makes a saving
throw he can make a free unmodified ranged touch
attack against a character or an item held by a
character within a 40-foot radius. This attack does
not receive any bonuses form the character’s base

attack bonus or his Dexterity modifier. If this attack
succeeds the effect targeting the Immortal moves
into the target instead. If it fails the Immortal suffers
the full effect regardless of his saving throw.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may spend the bonus points on the following:
† Increase attack bonus: Each bonus point increases
the attack bonus by +1.
† Increase aura radius: Every bonus point increases
the radius by +5 feet.
† Increase effect DC: Each bonus point increases
the channelled effect’s DC by +1.
On Eagles’ Wings
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Air Domain
Forbidden Power: Earth Domain
Base Bonus: Gain fly 30 ft (perfect)
Description: The lords of air reward their faithful
servants by unlocking the vault of the sky. There
their servants can walk among the elementals,
looking down at the mortal fields below. This kind
of unfettered flight has long been a mortal dream. In
truth, many Immortals swear allegiance to the lords
of air simply to gain this ability.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he develops
the ability to fly at 30 feet per round with perfect
manoeuvrability.
As the Immortal invests his Aura into this gift he
may purchase the following abilities:
† Become incorporeal: Each bonus point gives the
Immortal the ability to become incorporeal for
one round. The Immortal can switch between
corporeal and incorporeal states as a free action
that does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
† Increased AC while flying: Each bonus point gives
the Immortal a +1 dodge bonus to his AC while in
flight.
† Increased speed: Each bonus point grants the
character +5 feet to his base movement speed.
Peoples’ Champion
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Nation
Forbidden Power: Chaos Domain
Base Bonus: Gain a +1 bonus to AC and attack rolls
when defending a specific nation
Description: When an Immortal signs a covenant
with a nation its people entrust him with their well-
being. They, in turn, entrust him with the sum total
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GIFTS
of the power they wield. This relationship sparks a
synergy between the two parties. The stronger the
nation becomes the mightier its champion becomes.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains a
+1 bonus to his Armour Class and attack rolls when
defending his nation’s interests. Most commonly
this means when discharging the obligations
associated with the Immortal’s covenant and when
acting as the nation’s ruler. The Games Master has
final say as to whether or not an action qualifies the
Immortal for this gift’s bonus.
As the Immortal grows in power he may invest his
Aura into this gift. As he does so he may spend the
resulting bonus points on the following:
† Add effect: Every bonus point spent allows the
Immortal to add one of the following bonuses:
damage, a skill or a saving throw.
† Increase effect: Every bonus point spent increases
one of the bonuses granted by the aura by +1.
Rage’s Red Flame
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Destruction Domain
Forbidden Power: Protection Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the barbarian rage ability, usable
up to Con modifier times per day
Description: The lords of destruction invest the
Immortal with a small portion of their unending hate.
He can feel it pulsing, whispering and pleading for
release every time he encounters another living being
or an obstacle barring his path. It writhes free of his
control from time to time, causing the Immortal to
fly into berserker frenzies that threaten even the gods
themselves.
The base level of this gift grants the Immortal the
ability to fly into a rage similar to the barbarian rage
class ability a number of times per day equal to his
Constitution modifier (minimum one). This gives
him a +4 bonus to his Strength and Constitution
scores as well as a +2 morale bonus to Will saves.
He also suffers from a –2 penalty to his AC. The
rage lasts for three rounds plus the Immortal’s
augmented Constitution modifier.
While raging the Immortal cannot use any Charisma,
Dexterity or Intelligence-based skills (except for
Balance, Escape Artist, Intimidate and Ride), the
Concentration skill or any ability requiring patience
or concentration. He cannot cast spells or use items
GIFTS
requiring spell completion or command words to
function. He cannot use the Combat Expertise feat
or metamagic feats not provided by an Immortal’s
gifts.
If the Immortal needs to make a Will save for any
reason he files into a rage. This rage does not count
against his total number of allowed rages in the day.
When an Immortal channels his Aura into this ability
he may apply each bonus point individually. Each
bonus adds +1 to one of the following: Strength
attribute enhancement, Constitution attribute
enhancement, Will save bonus, Armour Class or
duration.
Reborn Champion
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Healing Domain
Forbidden Power: Death Domain
Base Bonus: Spawn avatars when you Transcend
who continue to act in your place
Description: An Immortal gains no benefit from
this gift before he Transcends. When he completes
his final Great Challenge his spirit transcends to a
higher plane of existence. However, his Immortal
power divides into a number of forms equal to his
Intelligence modifier. These forms all share the same
Aura and hit point pool, but otherwise act as separate
individual’s under the Immortal’s player’s control.
The avatars are functionally identical to the Immortal
at the moment of his Transcendence. They have
all of his equipment (barring artefacts and power
effects) and mortal abilities. They also share all of
his gifts except for this one.
Rise from the Ashes
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Death Domain
Forbidden Power: Law Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to return to life after
dying
Description: When the Immortal’s physical form
dies his Aura retreats to a save haven. There
it begins to rebuild a body using previously
prepared materials. For the cost of 1 Aura this
ability allows the Immortal to return to life in an
unblemished body within thirty days of his death.
Each bonus point spent on this attribute reduces
the number of days by one, to a minimum of zero.
158
The Immortal reappears naked and with no active
gifts. He appears in the place he choose when he
first activated this attribute, usually the place where
he originally gained the gift.
Roots Run Deep
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Plant
Forbidden Power: Plant Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the plant type
Description: When an Immortal enters into an
agreement with the powers lurking in the green
and growing things he must fundamentally
change himself to communicate with them. This
transformation radically alters the Immortal’s
physical form, crossing his fragile flesh with the
more enduring materials comprising the green. As
the Immortal grows in strength these alterations
continue, eventually causing the Immortal to
resemble an animated plant.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains
the plant type. He gains all of the abilities and
weaknesses of plant type creatures, including the
ability to advance in HD rather than character
levels.
As the Immortal invests his aura into this gift he
may add the bonus points to his Strength, Dexterity,
Constitution or Wisdom.
Sage’s Left Hand
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Knowledge Domain
Forbidden Power: Trickery Domain
Base Bonus: Cast 5 levels of divination spells per
day from any spell list
Description: The lords of knowledge grant their
servants access to the information contained in their
infinite scrolls. This knowledge allows the servants
to seek out any piece of knowledge they wish. As
they grow in power the servants extend their reach,
eventually learning to uncover information long lost
to mortals.
When the Immortal gains this gift he develops the
ability to spontaneously cast five levels of divination
spells per day. He may cast any number of spells, of
any level, so long as the total number of spell levels
comes to five or less. Casting each spell is a standard

action that provokes an attack of opportunity. The
Immortal casts these spells with an effective caster
level equal to his total number of victories plus his
Intelligence modifier.
The Immortal may use metamagic feats to influence
these spells using the normal rules for spontaneous
casting and metamagic feats. If he possesses a gift
affecting metamagic feats he may add that gift’s
modifiers to spells he casts using this gift
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this
attribute the bonus increases his total number of
available spell levels per day.
Shadowed Soul
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Evil
Forbidden Power: Good
Base Bonus: Emanate a 10-foot radius aura that
suppresses good-aligned creatures
Description: When an Immortal drinks deeply of
evil’s might it seeps like tainted oil down into his
bones. The more of it he draws in, the more builds
up, until it finally begins to seep from the Immortal
into the world around him. Eventually this seepage
creates a spiritual miasma around the character. This
miasma reaches into the hearts and lungs of good-
aligned creatures, where it attempts to steal their
breath with oily fingers.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he emanates
a ten-foot radius aura of pure mythic evil. Any
good creature within the area of effect must make
a Will save (DC 10) or suffer a –2 morale penalty
to his attack and damage rolls. Each good-aligned
character only needs to make this saving throw once
per day. If he succeeds he becomes immune to the
effect for 24 hours. If he fails he suffers from the
aura’s effect without recourse to a saving throw for
the same period of time.
This is a mind-affecting fear effect. It leaves an
imprint on the world visible to anyone with the
ability to detect evil. This imprint lingers for a
number of days equal to the Immortal’s total Aura
attribute.
As the Immortal gains in strength he may channel his
Aura into this gift. He may use the bonus points this
generates in the following ways:
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GIFTS
† Add penalty: Each bonus point allows the
Immortal to add one of the following penalties to
his aura: Armour Class, one specific skill check
or one saving throw. This penalty starts at –1 and
can be increased with further Aura investment.
† Increase DC: Each bonus point increases the DC
of the Immortal’s Aura by +1.
† Increase penalty: Each bonus point increases one
penalty inflicted by the Immortal’s aura by –1.
† Increase radius: Each bonus point adds a +10-
foot. bonus to the radius.
Shield of Will
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Protection
Forbidden Power: Triumph
Base Bonus: Gain a +1 bonus to all Con-based skills
and a +1 bonus to Fortitude, Reflex and Will saving
throws
Description: An Immortal who taps into the primal
power of protection fills himself with the stability
inherent in the universe. He can rely on this
stability to protect him from harm although it also
makes it difficult for him to change to meet altering
circumstances.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he
gains a +1 bonus to all Constitution-based skills.
Furthermore all Constitution-based skills become
class skills for the character when he advances in
any mortal class. He also gains a +1 bonus to his
Fortitude, Reflex and Will saving throws.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Constitution-based skills or to one saving throw
category on a one for one basis. There is no upper
limit to the bonus an Immortal may apply to a single
skill. This bonus stacks with the generic +1 bonus
granted by the gift’s base function.
Shining Soul
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Good
Forbidden Power: Evil
Base Bonus: Emanate a 10-foot radius aura that
suppresses evil-aligned creatures
Description: When an Immortal drinks deep of
mythic good it illuminates his flesh like golden
light. The more power he drinks in the brighter
GIFTS
this light becomes. Eventually it bursts forth from
the Immortal’s body as an aura of spiritual light.
This light does not illuminate the physical world.
Instead, it shines brightly into the souls of everyone
in the Immortal’s immediate proximity. Everyone
illuminated by the light must face the consequences
of the evil lurking in their hearts.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he emanates
a ten-foot radius aura of pure mythic good. Any evil
creature within the area of effect must make a Will
save (DC 10) or suffer a –2 morale penalty to his
attack and damage rolls. Each evil-aligned character
only needs to make this saving throw once per day.
If he succeeds he becomes immune to the effect for
24 hours. If he fails he suffers from the aura’s effect
without recourse to a saving throw for the same
period of time.
This aura leaves an imprint on the world visible to
anyone with the ability to detect good. This imprint
lingers for a number of days equal to the Immortal’s
total Aura attribute.
As the Immortal gains in strength he may channel his
Aura into this gift. He may use the bonus points this
generates in the following ways:
160
† Add penalty: Each bonus point allows the
Immortal to add one of the following penalties to
his aura: Armour Class, one specific skill check
or one saving throw. This penalty starts at –1 and
can be increased with further Aura investment.
† Increase DC: Each bonus point increases the DC
of the Immortal’s Aura by +1.
† Increase penalty: Each bonus point increases one
penalty inflicted by the Immortal’s aura by -1.
† Increase radius: Each bonus point adds +10 feet
to the radius.
Singer of Celestial Harmonies
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Stars
Forbidden Power: Sun
Base Bonus: Ability to use plane shift at will
Description: The light of the stars shine on the
myriad worlds. Those who serve the stars can use
that light as a bridge, stepping from plane to plane,
from world to world, as easily as a farmer walks to
the local market. The star’s servants can also draw
on their masters’ might to protect themselves from
adverse environmental effects inherent in any world
they find themselves on.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he gains
the ability to cast the plane shift spell as a standard
action as often as once per round. He may use this
power from dusk until dawn.
As an Immortal increases in power he may invest his
Aura to strengthen this gift. As he does so he may
spend the resulting bonus points on the following
abilities:
† Decreased distance from target: Each bonus point
reduces the distance from the intended destination
by five miles.
† Environmental protection: For five bonus points
the Immortal develops immunity to the negative
effects of one planar attribute.
† Increased carrying capacity: Each bonus point
increases the total number of characters the
Immortal can transport by +1.
Son of the Light
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Sun
Forbidden Power: Stars
Base Bonus: Emanate daylight in a 30-foot radius
Description: The spirit of the sun grants its favoured
servants a small fragment of its radiance. This
fragment lodges in the Immortal’s heart where it

burns the eyes of any foolish enough to look directly
upon the Immortal’s countenance. So long as the
Immortal faithfully serves the sun this radiance
grows, until one day the Immortal becomes too
bright for mortals to safely behold.
When an Immortal receives this gift he begins to
emanate daylight in a 30-foot radius. This light
dispels any form of arcane darkness. It inflicts the
effects of normal daylight on creatures sensitive to
such things. It also deals 1d6 fire damage to any
undead within the area of effect. The undead receives
no saving throw against this effect. However, the
Immortal cannot use a gift, skill or spell to hide his
presence.
As the Immortal becomes more powerful he may
invest additional Aura into this gift. As he does
so he may spend the resulting bonus points on the
following:
† Increased Armour Class: Each bonus point adds a
+1 circumstance bonus to the Immortal’s Armour
Class.
† Increased damage: Add +1d6 to damage dealt to
undead by spending three bonus points.
† Increase radius: Each bonus point adds +10 feet
to the radius.
Strength of Stone
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Earth
Forbidden Power: Wind
Base Bonus: Gains a +2 bonus to Str-based skills
Description: Drinking deeply of elemental earth
causes the Immortal’s body to undergo a number of
radical changes. These changes make the Immortal
considerably stronger but also make him seem far
heavier than he truly is. As the Immortal channels
more and more elemental earth into his body this
effect becomes more pronounced, until his flesh
feels like cold stone.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains a
+2 bonus to all Strength-based skills. Furthermore
all Strength-based skills become class skills for the
character when he advances in any mortal class.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Strength-based skills on a one for one basis. There
is no upper limit to the bonus an Immortal may apply
to a single skill. This bonus stacks with the generic
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GIFTS
+2 bonus granted by the gift’s base function.
The Lady’s Favour
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Luck Domain
Forbidden Power: Law Domain
Base Bonus: Gain +5 luck bonus the Immortal may
spend on skill checks after the check is made but
before resolution
Description: The lords of luck extend great favour
to their chosen servants. This favour allows their
servants to rely as much on luck as on pluck,
traipsing from one madcap situation to another
with little regard for the consequences. Should
their fortune ever run out these servants can still fall
back on their tremendous Immortal power to resolve
whatever pot of trouble they land in.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains
a pool of five ‘luck points’ per day he can spend
on any skill check. Each luck point grants him +1
to the check. He may spend points from this pool
after making the d20 roll but before the skill check
resolves.
As the Immortal grows in power he may invest his
Aura in this gift. He may spend the resulting bonus
points in the following ways:
† Add additional luck targets: For the cost of three
bonus points the Immortal may add one of the
following additional targets for his luck pool:
attack rolls, Fortitude saves or Reflex saves.
† Add fortuitous circumstance: For the cost of three
bonus points the Immortal may add the ability
to invoke a fortuitous circumstance. Invoking
this ability costs ten luck points. Once invoked,
the circumstance allows the Immortal to state
one seemingly impossible, outlandish event that
will provide him with assistance in his current
situation. There is a 50% chance this circumstance
will occur within 1d4 rounds.
† Increase luck pool: Each bonus point increases
the luck pool by +1.
The Power to Be
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Love
Forbidden Power: Hate
Base Bonus: Gain Regeneration 1
Description: For most mortals, the idea that love
exists as a power outside the mortal heart seems
insane. Yet exist it does. Immortals who drink
 GIFTS
deeply of it infuse themselves with the courage
driving a seed to sprout and the strength that allows
a broken man to raise himself up from the ground
one final time in defence of everything he holds
dear. This strength permeates the Immortal’s body,
driving him to greater and greater heights.
When an Immortal first receives this gift he gains
Regeneration 1.
As the Immortal grows in strength he may invest his
Aura into this gift. Every four bonus points invested
in this gift increases the Immortal’s Regeneration
ability by +1.
Touch of Ash and Dust
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Hate
Forbidden Power: Love
Base Bonus: Emanate a destructive aura covering a
10-foot per point of positive Cha modifier radius
Description: When the Immortal drinks deep of
hate’s bitter brew it seeps down into his bones. Once
it works its poisoned magic there, the power of hate
reaches out beyond the Immortal’s body in ever-
growing waves of annihilation. The more of hate’s
power the Immortal wields the stronger these waves
become until the Immortal cannot walk amongst
mortals for fear of his presence bringing ruin.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he begins to
emanate an aura covering a ten-foot radius per point
of the character’s positive Charisma modifier. All
objects within this radius automatically take one hit
point of damage each round. All living creatures
(including plants) within the area of effect take one
hit point of damage each round unless they make
a Will saving throw (DC 10). A creature needs to
make this Will saving throw once every day.
As an Immortal invests his Aura into this gift he may
use it to increase any one of the following:
† Increase damage dealt: Every bonus point
increases the damage done by the Aura by +1.
† Increase DC: Every bonus point increases the
Will Save DC by +1.
† Increase aura radius: Every bonus point increases
the radius by +5 feet.
Trickster’s Laughter
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Trickery Domain
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Forbidden Power: Moon
Base Bonus: Gain one feat from the list
Description: The lords of trickery delight in
deceiving mortals, Immortals and deities in equal
measure. No being is free from their constant teasing
and torment. Whether this torment is good-natured
or not depends entirely on the lord in question.
Some have nothing but the best of intentions while
others delight in elaborately destroying any being
foolish enough to cross their path.
When the Immortal gains this gift he selects one feat
from the following list: Alertness, Animal Affinity,
Deceitful, Deft Hands, Diligent, Investigator,
Leadership, Negotiator, Persuasive and Stealthy. He
must meet the prerequisite for this feat normally.
When the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift
he may spend the bonus points in two ways:
† Increase a feat bonus by +1: Add the bonus
directly to one bonus granted by any feat from the
above list. He may add this bonus to feats from
his mortal career or from this gift
† Add a feat to the gift: Adding a feat to the gift
costs a number of bonus points equal to twice the
total of the attribute modifier, base attack bonus
and total number of other feats listed in the feat
prerequisites (minimum one). The Immortal must
meet the prerequisites in order to add the feat.
Unbound from the Wheel
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Magic
Forbidden Power: Knowledge
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to take many forms
after Transcending
Description: When an Immortal gains this gift it
does nothing for him. However, when he passes
his final Great Challenge the Immortal does not
reincarnate as a 1st level character. Instead he retains
all of his abilities but loses his mortal form. He may
now transform himself, as a free action, to appear
as any creature in the universe. This transformation
does not affect his abilities. No magical or
metaphysical means can prove the Immortal is not
what he pretends to be. An observant user of mortal
skills like Sense Motive could detect something
amiss by observing the Immortal’s behaviour.
Voice of the Champion
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Triumph
Forbidden Power: Protection

Base Bonus: Gain a +2 bonus to Cha-based skills
Description: When an Immortal first touches the
power of triumph a small bit of its lustre rubs off on
him. As he gains further understanding of triumph’s
power that lustre continues to grow until he glows
with what mortals call charisma.
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains a
+2 bonus to all Charisma-based skills. Furthermore
all Charisma-based skills become class skills for the
character when he advances in any mortal class.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Charisma-based skills on a one for one basis. There
is no upper limit to the bonus an Immortal may apply
to a single skill. This bonus stacks with the generic
+2 bonus granted by the gift’s base function.
Voice of the Flame
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Fire Domain
Forbidden Power: Water Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to transform into a fire
elemental-like form
Description: The lords of fire rarely turn over
command of elemental fire to their servants.
Instead, they grant their Immortal servants the ability
transform their mortal flesh into pure flame. In this
state the Immortal can slowly learn to use elemental
fire without accidentally destroying everything in the
universe.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he develops
the ability to transform himself into a being of pure
flame. While in this form the Immortal radiates light,
gains the ability to fly with perfect manoeuvrability
at the rate of ten feet per round and does 2d6 fire
damage with an unarmed attack. Targets grappling
with him take 2d6 fire damage per round in addition
to any other damage dealt. He does not need to
breathe, eat or sleep. All items the character carries
(excluding his artefact gifts) disappear when he
transforms.
Transforming is a free action that does not provoke
an attack of opportunity.
As the Immortal gains power he may strengthen this
gift with his Aura. He may spend bonus points in the
following areas:
† Gain fire-subtype: For the cost of five bonus
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GIFTS
points the Immortal gains the fire subtype. This
makes him immune to fire damage but he takes
double damage from cold attacks.
† Increase natural armour: Each bonus point adds
a +1 natural bonus to the Immortal’s Armour
Class.
† Increase attributes: The Immortal may increase
his Dexterity and Charisma while transformed at
the rate of +1 per bonus point.
† Increase flight speed: Each bonus point adds
+5 foot to the Immortal’s flight speed while
transformed.
† Increase fire damage: For three bonus points the
Immortal may add +1d6 to his base fire damage.
† Transform items: Each item the Immortal wishes
to retain access to in his transformed state costs
one bonus point. Weapons transformed in this
way deal +2d6 fire damage.
Voice of the Stranger
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Magic
Forbidden Power: Knowledge
Base Bonus: Gain a +2 bonus to Wis-based skills
Description: By drinking deeply of primal magic
the Immortal gains insights into the mysteries of
the universe that do not obey rational rules. He
sees how things fit together and how paradox drives
the world forward towards an unimaginable future.
This insight frees the Immortal’s mind from the
boundaries imposed by mortal thought patterns,
When the Immortal first receives this gift he gains a
+2 bonus to all Wisdom-based skills. Furthermore
all Wisdom-based skills become class skills for the
character when he advances in any mortal class.
As the Immortal channels his Aura into this gift he
may allocate the bonus points as bonuses to specific
Wisdom-based skills on a one for one basis. There
is no upper limit to the bonus an Immortal may apply
to a single skill. This bonus stacks with the generic
+2 bonus granted by the gift’s base function.
Wave Walker
Attribute Gift
Associated Power: Water Domain
Forbidden Power: Fire Domain
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to transform into a
water elemental-like form
Description: The lords of water do not trust their
 GIFTS
servants with dominion over elemental water.
Instead they grant their faithful servants the
ability to transform themselves into watery forms
approximating those of other water spirits. In this
form the servants can learn the secrets of elemental
water without threatening to throw the world out of
balance.
When the Immortal first gains this gift he develops
the ability to transform into a being of pure water.
While in this form the Immortal gains a swim
movement rate of 90 feet per round. He gains a +2
bonus to his Strength and Constitution and he also
gains a +2 natural bonus to his Armour Class. So
long as the Immortal remains in water elemental
form he does not need to breathe, eat or sleep. Items
the Immortal carries vanish when he transforms.
The Immortal does 2d6 bludgeoning damage with
an unarmed attack.
As the Immortal gains in power he may invest his
Aura to strengthen this gift. He may allocate the
resulting bonus points into the following areas:
† Increase natural armour: Each bonus point adds
a +1 natural bonus to the Immortal’s Armour
Class.
† Increase attributes: The Immortal may increase
his Strength and Constitution while transformed
at the rate of +1 per bonus point.
† Increase flight speed: Each bonus point adds
+5 feet to the Immortal’s swim speed while
transformed.
† Increase slam damage: For three bonus points the
Immortal may add +d6 to his base bludgeoning
damage.
† Transform items: Each item the Immortal wishes
to retain access to in his transformed state costs
one bonus point. Weapons transformed in this
way deal +2d6 bludgeoning damage.
Numen
Immortals wield legendary powers capable of
destroying the world. As impressive as some of these
abilities seem they only scratch the surface of what
an Immortal can truly accomplish since they require
the Immortal’s presence and active involvement to
manifest. Only those Immortals who transcend can
be physically present in more than one place at once,
limiting their ability to influence the world.
However, very few Immortals walk through the
world alone. Most have one or more attendant
spirits to do their bidding. A single spirit (also
called a numen) can assist his master in many
164
ways. A host of spirits (called numina) can form an
army capable of overwhelming even the grandest of
mortal empires.
Each numen gift allows the Immortal to call up a
single servant. This servant, specified when the
Immortal selects the gift, uses his powers at the
Immortal’s behest. Why the servant accepts the
Immortals orders varies from situation to situation.
In some cases both the servant and the Immortal
serve the same lord; in others the servant wants
something the Immortal possesses and serves in the
hope of receiving it.
Numen: Channel and Infuse
An Immortal may use his Channel and Infuse skills
to increase the strength of spirits he summons.
He uses the Channel skill to strengthen spirits he
summons into his own body. Conversely, he uses
the Infuse skill to strengthen the spirits he calls for
work in the mortal realm.
Channel: When an Immortal calls a spirit into his
body he may feed it power from his Immortal Aura.
Each Aura point the Immortal feeds the spirit grants
the spirit +1 class level in the class of the Immortal’s
Numen Gift Results for Channel and Infuse
Skill Check Channel Infuse
Result
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 Max 2 Aura Max 4 Aura
21-30 Max 4 Aura Max 8 Aura
31-40 Max 6 Aura Max 12 Aura
41+ Max 8 Aura Max 16 Aura
choice. Alternately the spirit may increase by +2
HD, with all corresponding gains and side effects.
The Aura points may also purchase powers for the
spirit based on its numen duty.
Unlike the other gift categories numen use the
Channel skill when the Immortal passes power to
another person. The Immortal must touch the target
he wishes to call the spirit into. When he does so he
calls the spirit through his own body, channels his
strength into it, then passes it into the target. The
spirit does not obey the person it inhabits; instead it
follows the orders given to it by its master.
Infuse: When an Immortal calls a spirit to act in the
outside world he may infuse it with his own power.
Each Aura point so infused increases grants the spirit
+1 class level in the class of the Immortal’s choice.
 GIFTS

Example: Numen Gift in Action

Sebastian the Shadow Soul selects a numen gift after completing a challenge of power. He selects undead as
the type and seneschal as the duty. This gives him the following gift:

Call Evil Undead Archon

Numen Gift

A century or so later, adventurers from a minor human town accidentally stumble into the lich’s lair. After
disposing of the pesky mortals, Sebastian decides to remind the locals why they should leave him alone. He
invokes his Call Evil Undead Archon gift, choosing the Marshal command.

When he invokes his gift he makes a skill check using his total Infuse bonus of +16. The check result of 32
allows him to allocate up to 16 Aura in addition to the base amount required to summon the archon.

After some thought Sebastian calls a dread wraith (CR 11) to his service. This causes him to invest 11 Aura.
The dread wraith can command up to 33 CR of creatures, none of which may have a CR over 5. This allows
the dread wraith to command up to six additional wraiths.

Sebastian decides to invest a bit of additional Aura just to get his point across. He gives the dread wraith five
levels of sorcerer and a +15 bonus to the total CR of his legion. This allows the dread wraith to command a
satisfyingly symbolic nine wraiths.

The total investment required to activate this gift comes to 17 Aura. Sebastian’s player makes the following
notation under his Call Evil Undead Archon gift:

Dread Wraith: 16 Aura, 5 levels of sorcerer and +15 CR to legion, marshal a host to kill every firstborn male
in Hartridge.

When the dread wraith finishes its task it returns to Sebastian then departs to the netherworld from which it
originally came.

Alternately the spirit may increase its Hit Dice by
+2. This increase carries with it all of the normal
gains and side effects. The infused Aura points
may also purchase powers for the spirit based on its
numen duty.
Why do Numen Serve?
Each numen serves the Immortal for its own reasons.
These reasons may make sense to the mortal mind.
Alternately they may stem from desires only
comprehensible to beings with an utterly alien
mindset.
Despite the complexity associated with why numen
serve, their reasons generally fall into one of four
categories: the immortal has the power to command
them, he is given the authority to do so by a higher
power, he has influence over the spirit for some
reason or the Immortal possesses something the
numen desires. In each of these cases the numen
serves only so long as the Immortal retains whatever
makes it serve.
As a rule of thumb numen gifts associated with
covenants tend to call numen to service due to the
Immortal’s influence or authority. Conversely,
numen gifts associated with taps call numen to
service thanks to the Immortal’s power or because
the Immortal holds something the numen desires.
Recording Numen Gifts
When an Immortal selects a numen gift he chooses
a specific type, subtype and alignment for the type
of spirits he wishes to summon. He also selects a
specific duty this numen will perform.
These selections result in a completed gift recorded
in the following format:
Call Alignment, Type, Subtype Duty
Numen Gift
The available types are animal and magical beast,

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GIFTS

elemental, fey, incorporeal undead, outsider or plant. powers associated with its duty and all of the Aura
If the type has a subtype the Immortal must specify the Immortal invested in it.
one of the subtypes for summoning. If the Immortal
chooses the elemental subtype he must specify one Summoning a numen counts as using a spell-like
of the four physical elements (air, earth, fire or ability. Once called the numen can be banished or
water). destroyed. A numen channelled into the Immortal’s
body may be banished but only suffers damage from
When the Immortal activates this gift he summons attacks if the Immortal himself first dies.
the spirit to his side. He may then either infuse the
spirit with his Aura or channel it into his body. This The Immortal may use a single numen gift to
results in the following entry: summon multiple numen. He may continue to do so
until he runs out of Aura to invest.
Spirit Name: Invocation cost, Aura invested;
enhancements; task assigned
Names of the Numen
At the Games Master’s option the Immortal may
Using Numen Gifts receive the services of a specific numen rather than
When the Immortal invokes a numen gift he the ability to call up a random spirit to perform
summons a spirit of the type selected to fulfil the assigned duties. In this case the Games Master gives
duties described. Each time he invokes the gift the the spirit a name and unique personality. If the spirit
Immortal must spend a number of Aura points equal dies or is imprisoned the Immortal will have to seek
to the CR of the spirit summoned. This invocation out (through a challenge) another spirit to answer
cost pays for a base version of the creature as his call.
described in Core Rulebook III. The cost is the
‘minimum Aura threshold’ required to maintain this If the Games Master uses this option the Immortal
application of the gift. can only use each numen gift once. If he wishes to
change a numen’s orders he may do so by using the
Once summoned the Immortal must choose one task Channel or Infuse skill to lower the gift below its
from either the Channel or Infuse list associated with minimum Aura threshold, thereby terminating it.
the numen’s duty. This spirit will execute that task to
the best of its ability. The Immortal may choose to
channel or infuse additional Aura into the numen to
Duties of the Numen
When the Immortal gains a numen gift he must
assist it if he wishes to do so.
select one of the following duties he can call on a
spirit to fulfil. All the spirits he calls with the gift
If the Immortal summons the numen for a ‘closed’
will fulfil the same duty though he may issue a
task (e.g. carry a person or destroy a village) then the
different command to each summoned spirit.
numen returns home after completing the task. If he
calls the numen for an ‘open’ task (e.g. defend this
Numen gifts can call a spirit to one of duties from
site or possess a particular target) the spirit remains
the table below.
until dismissed.
Advisor
Dismissing a numen is a standard action that does A numen assuming the advisor’s duties places its
not provoke an attack of opportunity. In order to knowledge and intelligence at its master’s disposal.
receive the dismissal the numen must stand within It will assist the Immortal to the best of its ability
line of sight and possess the
ability to communicate with Numen Duties
the Immortal. Duty Description
Advisor Spirit assists with information, problem solving and skills
When the numen completes its
Archon Spirit marshals lesser spirits to battle in the Immortal’s name
task or the Immortal dismisses
it the Immortal regains access Champion Spirit fights for the Immortal using all of its abilities
to the invested Aura. If the Companion Spirit performs general duties for the Immortal
Immortal dies before the Seneschal Spirit commands lesser spirits to aid the Immortal and his allies
numen completes its task the Sentinel Spirit protects an area or person when commanded to do so
numen permanently gains the

166

until dismissed or banished.
Channel Command: Counsellor
Counsellor: The spirit possesses the Immortal, where
it sits quietly in the Immortal’s mind waiting to
answer questions posed to it. The Immortal may ask
the spirit one question per round as a move action.
The spirit will answer this question to the best of its
ability, using its own knowledge, skills and abilities
to provide the answer. Once the Immortal poses the
question the spirit takes 1d6 rounds to respond.
The form of the spirit’s response depends on the
spirit’s type and personality. Many spirits converse
directly with their Immortals. Others sing songs,
pose riddles or project images into their host’s mind.
These answers must always provide the Immortal
with direct and immediately applicable information.
A counsellor is not subject to direct attack until after
the destruction of the Immortal’s body.
Infuse Command: Mentor
Mentor: The spirit takes form outside of the
Immortal’s shell. It becomes an intangible (i.e.
incorporeal) presence that speaks with the Immortal
when he asks questions out loud. The spirit is
subject to detection through the use of the Listen
skill (DC 20) when in conversation with its Immortal.
Otherwise it remains invisible and can use whatever
skills it naturally possesses to hide its presence.
Asking a mentor for assistance or advice requires a
move action. The mentor may take an aid another
action to assist the character or use its own skills and
powers to ferret out information. If the Immortal
asks for an aid another action the mentor will provide
it either in this round or in the round immediately
subsequent to this.
A numen mentor does not use his feats or directly
intervene in any way. He is subject to attack if
detected.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
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GIFTS
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
† Grant Skill Points: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can grant the numen +15 skill points.
† Increase aid another bonus: For the cost of two
Aura the Immortal can increase the bonus granted
by the spirit’s aid another action by +1.
Archon
An archon holds the proxy for the Immortal’s right
of command over a legion of spirits. It interprets
the Immortal’s orders, gathers minions to carry them
out and then reports back to the Immortal when it
completes the task.
All archons, regardless of the command given to
them, gain the ability to command a legion of similar
spirits. An unaugmented archon can command a
force whose member’s total CR is 3 x his CR before
grants. No single spirit may have a CR more than ½
the archon’s CR before grants.
If the legion loses members in battle the archon can
replace them at the rate of ten CR per day.
An archon does not engage enemies directly unless
personally attacked first. He directs his minions into
battle and retreats if they suffer defeat.
Channel Command: Captain
Captain: The archon stands at the Immortal’s right
hand. From this privileged place he directs his
legion in his master’s defence. The captain may
use any powers or spells he possesses to assist his
legion or protect his master but cannot engage in
direct combat. Captains spend the time they are not
actively engaged in their master’s defence increasing
the defensive fortifications and negotiating with
nearby creatures to improve the fastness’ protective
measures.
Infuse Command: Ally, Marshal
Ally: The Immortal commands the archon to muster
his legion and move to aid a particular person
or nation against a specific threat. He stands by
the target’s side until the specified danger passes.
The archon commands his legion to use the most
expedient means necessary to terminate the danger,
even taking the battle to the foe if necessary. When
commanded to play the ally role, the archon will
engage in personal combat only to protect the person
or the leader of the nation he was commanded to
protect.
 GIFTS
Marshal: The Immortal commands the archon to
marshal his forces to assault a specific objective.
The archon may use whatever means he feels
necessary to destroy the target. He does not engage
in the assault personally unless the target attacks him
directly. The archon lays down his duty when the
target falls.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
† Increase legion size: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase his archon’s legion by +15
CR.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
† Increase maximum CR: For the cost of one Aura
the Immortal can increase his archon’s legion’s
maximum single creature CR by +1.
Champion
A numen champion stands ready to throw himself
between the Immortal and anything that might
bring him harm. He may do this by channelling
his strength and knowledge through the Immortal
or by physically manifesting a body to take the
fight forward. Numen champions tend to develop
relatively paranoid personalities if forced to serve for
any length of time.
Channel Command: Throne
Throne: A champion commanded into the role of
a throne inhabits the Immortal’s physical shell. It
monitors the environment using all of its senses and
abilities. When danger threatens, the champion and
the throne both roll initiative; the Immortal may
select the higher of the two results. Whenever the
Immortal must make a Listen, Search or Spot check
the Games Master makes a similar check for the
throne as well. If the Immortal fails but the throne
succeeds, the throne shares his success with his
master.
In addition to these bonuses the throne may share
one of the following with its master each round:
base attack bonus, deflection or natural AC bonus,
one attack, one physical attribute, one movement
168
rate, one special attack or one special quality. The
Immortal may select what he wishes to share with
his throne each round.
A throne defends the Immortal until banished or
dismissed.
Infuse Command: Defender
Defender A champion commanded to take the role
of defender stands at the Immortal’s left hand. From
this privileged place he strides forward to protect the
Immortal from any danger. The defender does not
typically wait for the Immortal’s command before
he acts. Instead, he assesses threats and sets about
removing them with the greatest possible prejudice.
A defender lays down his duty when the Immortal
dies or dismisses him.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Grant ability bonus: For the cost of one Aura
the Immortal can increase one of the champion’s
attributes by +2.
† Grant armour or weapon bonuses: For a cost
equal to the total bonus equivalent (or one per
10,000 gp cost) the Immortal can grant the spirit
an armour or weapon ability.
† Grant bonus feat: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can grant the champion a bonus feat.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
† Grant the power to share additional abilities: For
the cost of two Aura the Immortal can grant his
throne the ability to share one extra ability each
round.
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
Companion
A numen companion acts as the Immortal’s loyal
retainer. It acts in the Immortal’s best interest but
may flee if asked to lay down its existence on the
Immortal’s behalf. The numen acts in all ways as
a normal spirit of its type and is subject to the same
rules as other spirits.
A numen companion does not replace the cohort
granted by the Leadership Feat.
Channel Commands: Shadow

Shadow: When an Immortal commands his
companion to act as his shadow it sinks into his shell.
From within it can use all of its skill and special
attacks or qualities, but cannot take physical actions.
It rolls Initiative in combat and acts on its own turn.
When engaged in daily activities the Immortal may
command his shadow as a free action, effectively
allowing him to take one action using the shadow’s
skills, special attacks or special qualities and one
using his normal abilities each round.
A shadow serves until the Immortal dies or dismisses
it from service.
Infuse Commands: Cohort
Cohort: When an Immortal commands his
companion to act as his cohort it assumes physical
form. It will assist him in any way it can, although it
will wait for orders before taking action.
A cohort serves until the Immortal dies or dismisses
it from service.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
Seneschal
A numen seneschal assumes responsibility for the
myriad mundane tasks that occupy a household,
fastness or kingdom. It carries out these duties
with loyalty and speed far beyond the capabilities of
mortal servants.
Each seneschal commands a group of lackeys: minor
spirits possessing various highly important but
mundane skills required for household maintenance.
He commands a force with a total CR equal to his
own, with a maximum CR no higher than 2. These
servants will not fight but will clean up the mess after
the Immortal deals with any unwanted visitors.
If the lackeys lose members for whatever reason the
seneschal can replace the entire staff in less than one
hour.
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GIFTS
A seneschal serves until destroyed or dismissed.
Channel Commands: Body Servant
Body Servant: When an Immortal commands his
seneschal to act as a body servant he surrounds
himself with minor spirits who will happily carry
out various mundane tasks. He can command these
spirits to do anything from carrying his bathrobe to
delivering a message on another plane. The servants
will act to carry out the Immortal’s orders to the best
of their ability, although particularly foolish spirits
need very careful instruction indeed.
Infuse Commands: Caretaker
Caretaker: When an Immortal commands his
seneschal to become the caretaker of a place the
seneschal sets up housekeeping in the target location.
The seneschal will use his lackeys to build whatever
structures the Immortal commands, maintain the
structures that currently exist and create a thriving
manor for its lord.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Grant additional lackeys: For the cost of one Aura
the Immortal can increase the total CR of lackeys
the seneschal can control by the seneschal’s CR.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
† Increase lackey CR: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the maximum CR of the
lackeys by +1.
Sentinel
A numen sentinel stands guard over a person, place,
thing or concept. It uses its powers to defend its
target while simultaneously sending a message to
the master warning of danger. Numen sentinels
will do whatever they must to prevent harm from
visiting their charge, sometimes taking this defence
to extents undreamed of by mortal minds.
A sentinel serves until destroyed or dismissed.
Channel Commands: Anima
Anima: When an Immortal commands his sentinel to
act as an anima he binds it to both a specific person,
place or thing and to his own spirit. The sentinel
 GIFTS
can see the bound target as though he were standing
beside it. On command the sentinel will report on
the target’s condition. In the event the target comes
into danger it will interrupt the Immortal to inform
him of the problem.
Anything near may detect the anima’s attention
using the normal means (magical or mundane) for
detecting various forms of scrying.
An anima serves until dismissed or destroyed.
Infuse Commands: Animus
Animus: When an Immortal commands his sentinel
to act as an animus he binds it to a specific person,
place or object. So long as the bound target exists
the sentinel must use whatever power it wields to
defend it. If the animus encounters a force it cannot
overcome it will, as a free action, alert the Immortal
to its difficulty before proceeding with its defensive
measures.
An animus serves until dismissed or destroyed.
Grants: When an Immortal summons an advisor he
may invest his Aura (up to the maximum additional
investment allowed) to increase the advisor’s abilities
in the following ways:
† Grant abstract bond (anima only): For the cost of
two Aura the Immortal can bond the sentinel to an
abstract concept or action. For example, he may
bond the sentinel so that it must respond every
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time a being speaks the Immortal’s name.
† Grant bond: For the cost of one Aura the Immortal
can bond the sentinel to an additional person,
place or object.
† Grant class level: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can add a class level of his choice to the
summoned spirit. He may do this to spirits not
ordinarily capable of gaining class levels.
† Increase HD: For the cost of one Aura the
Immortal can increase the creature’s HD by +2.
Example Numen Gifts
The following are examples of the kinds of numen
gifts an Immortal might build as he advances
towards apotheosis.
Call Evil Outsider Advisor
Numen Gift
Varella (succubus, CE): Aura 9, +4 Hit Dice, provide
mentoring and companionship
The former apprentice wizard turned would-be god
of darkness Lajos Suka gained the power to call
up various evil spirits early in his career. When he
finally became strong enough he commanded the
succubus known to mortals as Varella to attend to his
needs. She does so willingly enough, recognising
that Lajos cannot hold onto his sanity forever. Right
now she provides him with mentoring in the various
arts she spent centuries perfecting. She also subtly
twists her advice so that Lajos falls ever deeper into
darkness.
Call Good Undead Seneschal
Numen Gift
Joseph of Athradan (ghost human
expert 10, LG): 12 Aura, +7 CR
additional lackeys, caretaker of the
royal palace
A would-be god-king gained this
gift just before he realised he could
never achieve his goals. In despair
he called up Joseph, his long dead
chancellor and asked his old friend
to run the kingdom while the king
pondered his fate. The next day
Joseph set up shop with the ghosts
of various minor courtiers and the
king vanished. Four centuries later
the kingdom continues to run in an
orderly fashion while the mortals
wait for their king to return.

Call Neutral Earth Companion
Numen Gift
K’kzilkza (salt mephit, N): Aura 3, shadow the
dwarven cleric Alimanda
When the dwarven cleric Alimanda arrived at the
Golden Hall, broken and near to death from his
efforts, the Immortal Yi took pity on his plight. He
commanded the mephit K’kzilkza to shadow the
mortal, providing what assistance he could. In the
last two years the stout dwarf has grown somewhat
accustomed to the presence of his shadowy friend
but he still does not fully trust him.
Call Neutral Water Elemental Champion
Numen Gift
Hitaki (elder water elemental, N): 18 Aura, +1d6
cold damage to attacks and share up to 3 abilities,
take up the role of throne for Rose
In her fourth century on the path to immortality
Rose Gallagar discovered she needed additional
protection thanks to the enmity of a demon lord.
When she essayed the Challenge of the Golden
Roses (associated with a water tap) she chose the
ability to call up a throne to enhance her combat
abilities. Hitaki has remained with her ever sense,
watching the world while she sleeps and lending his
strength when Rose needs raw physical power.
Call Neutral Plant Archon
Numen Gift
Rowan (treant, NG): 15 Aura, +6 levels of druid and
+1 to maximum CR, ally with the druids of Ashlin’s
Ferry to defeat the were-rats
Called up by the former archdruid Tiberius
Forestwalker, Rowan leads a small group of animated
trees (4 Huge animated objects, one Large animated
object) in the defence of the ancient grove at Ashlin’s
Ferry. He will return to Tiberius when the were-rats
no longer threaten this sacred space.
Powers
Many Immortals content themselves with baubles,
personal changes and servile creatures dedicated to
inflating their egos. These trivial abilities awe the
masses and keep those of little imagination amused
for countless centuries. Others, either more intrepid
or less cautious, boldly seize the reigns of power left
unattended by the gods. They master the words used
to unchain elemental wind, the evocations required
to call forth mythic evil or the careful measures
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GIFTS
required to safely harness positive energy.
Those who wish to master these mighty forces
must first gain a power gift. As an Immortal adds
greater knowledge and skill he may gain access to
additional tools. Some mighty Immortals claim to
have mastered all six of the elemental forces, a feat
that would in theory grant them the ability to create
life itself.
Regardless of their belief in their own ability
most Immortals never learn to use creation’s
tools in anything but the crudest fashion. Even
these fumbling attempts can be dangerous if the
Immortal musters too much of his own energy to
create an effect. The elements are unpredictable
servants; the mythic forces, even more so. If the
Immortal hesitates or makes a single mistake he can
accidentally level mountain ranges or crack open the
world to let the seas empty into the endless darkness
between worlds.
Power: Channel and Infuse
Immortals must use their Channel and Infuse skills
to carefully unlock the bonds placed on the elemental
and mythic powers. They then use their own Aura to
hold those bonds open long enough to accomplish
their personal goals. Each time an Immortal draws
these powers into the world he runs the risk of
casting a ‘shadow’ into the world that may someday
arise to challenge him for dominance.
Channel: When an Immortal unlocks one of the
elemental or mythic powers in or around his physical
form he uses this skill to contain it within his Aura.
The more effectively he channels the more primal
Power Gift Results for Channel and Infuse
Skill Check Channel Infuse
Result
0-9 Failure Failure
10-20 +1 per Aura +1 die per Aura
21-30 +2 per Aura +2 dice per Aura
31-40 +3 per Aura +3 dice per Aura
power he can unleash. The Channel check result
determines how effectively the Immortal contains
the power; the higher the result, the more points he
can add to the effect per Aura point.
Infuse: When an Immortal unlocks one of the
elemental or mythic powers and unleashes it into an
area he uses this skill to manipulate the raw power
with his Aura. The more effectively he uses his
GIFTS
Aura the more raw power he can control. The Infuse
check result determines how much power (in dice)
the Immortal releases and successfully controls. The
Immortal may allocate the dice as indicated in the
power’s description.
Created Items Bonus Point
Costs
When an Immortal uses a power gift to create an item
using the channel skill he uses the following table to
convert armour or weapon ability bonus equivalence
to the cost in bonus points he must pay to invest an
item with that power.
Shadows on the Wall
When an Immortal unleashes primal power he runs
the risk of accidentally altering the fundamental
Created Item Bonus Point Costs
Magic Item Bonus Gold Cost Bonus Point
Bonus Cost
+1 20,000 1
+2 40,000 3
+3 60,000 6
+4 80,000 10
+5 100,000 15
balance of reality. The gods locked the raw powers
away for a reason – playing with them for personal
gain can result in the destruction of everything in
existence. Of course, that sobering truth does not
stop the gods from breaking their own rules, nor does
it prevent mortals from doing as they wish.
Each time an Immortal withdraws his Aura from an
effect generated using a power gift he must make a
Will saving throw with a DC equal to the maximum
number of Aura points used to power the effect. If he
fails he creates a minor shadow. This minor shadow
flits through his dreams, mocking him with his own
voice and desires.
When the Immortal fails this Will save three times
he creates a ‘shadow’. This shadow is a 1st level
character with one Aura and the last power gift the
Immortal failed his Will save on. The shadow has
all of the Immortal’s memories and shares many of
the same physical features. The shadow assumes the
Immortal’s alignment. It is driven by an undying
hatred of the Immortal even though it shares his
goals and worldview.
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The shadow works against the Immortal and his
interests. It advances normally as a mortal character
but cannot take challenges to progress along the path
to immortality. Instead, each time the Immortal fails
three Will saves the shadow gains a victory. Every
fourth victory gained counts as a great challenge,
pushing the shadow up an apotheosis step. If left
unchecked the shadow will eventually progress
to the point where it has as many victories as the
Immortal.
The Immortal suffers no consequences if his shadow
dies. Conversely, if the Immortal dies his shadow
gains the ability to take challenges. Many shadows,
realising this, make it their life goal to see their
creator’s death.
Once an Immortal’s shadow reaches the same
number of victories the Immortal possesses, the
cycle starts over again with a new shadow.
Recording Power Gifts
An Immortal records his power gifts using the
following format:
Power Gift Name
Power Gift
Created Effect (target or location): Aura investment,
effect
An active entry on an Immortal’s character sheet
might read as follows:
Mastery of Mythic Law
Power Gift
Law’s Guiding Hand (Avia the Lewd): 1 Aura, Avia
must make a Will save (DC 25) to perform a non-
lawful act
The Ten Powers
Most Immortals wield no more than one or two of
the so-called ’Ten Powers’. Each power places into
the Immortal’s hands one of the primary tools used
to create the world. They take centuries to master
and millennia to understand. The Ten Powers are
listed on the table on page 173.
Mastery of Mythic Chaos
Scholars debate whether the power of mythic chaos
exists simply as a force in the world or as a conscious
entity capable of making informed decisions. As
 GIFTS

Powers
Name Effect
Mastery of Mythic Chaos Bring chaos into an area thereby causing catastrophic change
Dominion over Elemental Earth Tip the balance towards elemental earth causing the world to become brittle and
heavy
Mastery of Mythic Evil Bring evil into an area thereby accentuating the fear, misery and despair
inherent in the mortal condition
Dominion over Elemental Fire Unleash the pure flame that consumes the bonds holding the world in balance
Mastery of Mythic Good Bring good into an area thereby accentuating the hope, love and courage
inherent in the mortal condition
Mastery of Mythic Law Bring law into the area thereby accentuating the need for and strength of
stability.
Dominion over Elemental Unleash the power of endings and silence into the world
Negative Energy
Dominion over Elemental Cause the strength that animates all life to flow freely within an area or person
Positive Energy
Dominion over Elemental Water Tip the balance towards elemental water causing the world to become without
stable form
Dominion over Elemental Wind Unchain the primal wind, thereby allowing it to lift the whole world into motion
with all the mythic powers the truth probably lies
somewhere between the two extremes. Mythic Objects created through the use of this power do
chaos is an idea given form and power during the not have hit points or hardness. They cannot suffer
world’s creation; as such it is both an unthinking damage from any known physical or magical attack.
force and a being capable of some level of reason. However, they are subject to the same rules for
Whether mortals could understand that reasoning dispelling that govern all Immortal gifts.
or bargain with it remains a mystery even to those
Immortals who tap into its powers. Channel: When an Immortal channels mythic chaos
through his body he can shape it with his Aura into
When an Immortal receives mastery of mythic chaos various objects for personal use. For a cost of one
he learns to bring raw chaos into the world. He can, Aura the Immortal can create any suit of armour,
to some extent, shape this chaos so that it does his piece of personal equipment or weapon his mind
bidding. However, chaos always proves itself an can imagine. If he creates a weapon that uses
unreliable servant; it will slip free of the bonds ammunition (e.g. a bow or sling) the weapon creates
placed on it at the first opportunity. what it needs as it is used.

To mortal eyes raw chaos looks like flaring rainbow
light. A mortal who looks deeply into the light
will see shapes and random patterns coalesce then
vanish. Many mortals claim to see both the past and
the future in such light but in truth these shapes and
patterns contain no meaning but what mortals put
into them.
An Immortal with this mastery can use it to perform
the following three acts: create a moment in time,
invoke the rainbow lights or reveal the shape of
things to come.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura points
into the equipment he creates he can grant it powers
from the armour and weapon’s abilities table by
doubling the cost presented in the chart above. He
may grant the items any ability from an appropriate
table, subject to the limitations stated within those
abilities. Unlike the other forces, chaos can turn
against itself and can mimic the power of the six
elements and the three other mythic powers.
Objects made using this ability cannot be traded to
other characters.

A Moment in Time: When an Immortal creates a Infuse: When an Immortal uses his Aura to carve
moment in time he freezes raw chaos into whatever out a moment in time from a large field of chaos
form it currently holds. The resulting object has the
properties of raw chaos, shaped ever so slightly by
the Immortal’s will and intention.

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GIFTS

he can create extraordinarily

large physical and energy effects.
These effects remain, frozen
in the moment, for as long as
the Immortal leaves his Aura in
place.

Chaos can take the form of a

physical object, pure force or
any one of the five energy types.
When the Immortal first activates
this power he must spend at
least one Aura, which creates an
effect/object that engulfs a five-
foot square. If it is an object the
Strength check DC to move it,
regardless of what it looks like,
is five. If it is a field of force
the Strength check DC to push
through it is five. If it is a field of
energy it does 1d6 damage of the
appropriate energy type.

Each die expended can increase the radius of the
effect by five feet, add +5 to the DC to move the
object/push through the field or add +1d6 damage
done to those who pass through the field.
The Immortal can create this effect within line of
sight or up to a range of 400 feet, whichever is less.
If he uses the field/object as an attack against a target
(or group of targets) he must make a ranged touch
attack to properly target the effect.
Targets caught within the area of effect or who walk
into it must make a Reflex save (DC 10 + Immortal’s
Charisma modifier + Immortal’s total number of
victories) to take half damage. Chaotic creatures
who make the Reflex save take no damage. Targets
caught within an object must make a Strength check
with the appropriate DC in order to move through/
out of it.
Objects formed with this power are only ‘solid’ if
they require a Strength check with a DC over 20 to
move.
Invoke the Rainbow Lights
Raw chaos appears to the mortal eye as blazing light
of indescribable, shifting colours. Anyone staring
into the light for too long will see visions of heaven
and hell conjured entirely from his own mind.
An Immortal with mastery of mythic chaos can call
this light into the world. The light neither illuminates
nor casts shadows; it exists wholly in and of itself. It
is a metaphor, a thought and an illusion created by
mortal minds to encompass something wholly alien
to their own existence.
The Immortal can use this power in one of two
ways:
Channel: The Immortal binds the light of chaos
around himself. Doing this costs one Aura. This
light gives him a +1 deflection bonus to his armour
class and a +1 resistance bonus to his saves. It
also grants him SR 15 against lawful spells. The
Immortal may spend bonus points on a one for one
basis to increase any of these bonuses.
Infuse: The Immortal unleashes chaos’ light into the
area around him. This light fills a five-foot square
that must be within 30 feet of the Immortal’s current
position. If a creature is within the target area
the Immortal must make a ranged touch attack to
properly place the light.
A creature or object caught within the light must
make a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Cha
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories)
or be subject to a random shape change. When
the target leaves the area of effect it reverts to its

174

normal form within 1d4 hours. The Games Master
determines the exact effect of this change.
The Immortal may spend dice to increase the radius
by +10 feet per die expended or to increase the DC
by +3 per die.
Shape of Things to Come
Chaos breeds change. In truth, change is why it
came into being in the first place. When an Immortal
embraces this truth he may manifest change directly
in the world without relying on any intermediary
forces or transitional stages. He can cause things to
become what they might have been, without all of
the bothersome trouble of actual evolution.
Channel: An Immortal who channels the shape of
things to come through his own body develops the
ability to shape change (as the spell) as a free action.
By investing one Aura the Immortal gains the ability
to transform a number of times equal to his Charisma
modifier, minimum one, before he has to channel in
more chaos. By spending more Aura the Immortal
may add a number of transformations equal to the
total number of bonus points available.
If a mortal or Immortal somehow cancels this
power the Immortal loses all of his remaining free
transformations.
Infuse: When an Immortal infuses the shape of
things to come he may either target a number of
people within line of sight equal to the total number
of dice he has available or establish a field of change
around himself with a radius equal to five-feet for
each die expended.
Characters targeted by or in the area affected by
this power may not make a saving throw to avoid it.
When they wish to take an action they must make
a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories).
If they fail they must act as though they had a chaotic
alignment, regardless of their true alignment.
Creatures infected with the shape of things to come
count as chaotic outsiders for the purpose of items
damaging chaotic creatures and the detect chaos
spell.
This effect ends when the target character makes a
number of Will saves equal to the total number of
dice purchased by the Immortal. If this power inflicts
its effect on everyone within an area a creature that
leaves the area escapes the effect.
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GIFTS
Dominion over Elemental Earth
When the gods decided to make the world they used
elemental earth to give their creation substance and
weight. They also used earth in its raw form to
build the bones of the world, the mountains and the
stable places from which mortals would launch their
explorations.
In its raw form earth looks much like the stone
and soil mortals see every day. However, this
resemblance is only surface deep. Pure elemental
earth shares in the fathomless strength and weight
that grounds the universe. Even the smallest portion
of it is beyond mortal strength to move; a ‘stone’
shaped of it can no more be chipped by a mortal
mallet than a mountain can be harmed by an ant.
When an Immortal gains dominion over elemental
earth he brings the raw element into a world formed
of all six elements in some balanced combination.
He must simultaneously use his Aura to maintain
the elemental effect and to prevent the world from
absorbing it into itself.
An Immortal with dominion over elemental earth
may use it to create the following effects: place the
weight of mountains, raise the bones of the earth and
reaffirm the faith of stone.
Place the Weight of the Mountains
Earth and stone represent the simplest physical
manifestation of elemental earth. In truth almost
all objects within the universe contain a measure of
this potent substance. It gives them both weight and
rigidity, allowing them to both grow tall and to be
broken down.
Channel: When an Immortal channels pure
elemental earth into his own body he can use it
to either grant himself temporary hit points or to
increase his effective Strength when resisting bull
rushes or other attempts to move him from his feet.
By spending one Aura he gains 1d8 temporary hit
points and a +1 bonus to his Strength for purposes of
resisting bull rushes.
An Immortal may invest his Aura to increase either
his temporary hit point bonus or his Strength
modifier on a one for one ratio.
Infuse: When an Immortal calls pure elemental
earth into an area he can cause all objects within a
five-foot radius to either gain or lose one point of
hardness for a cost of one Aura. Objects held or
worn by an intelligent creature can make a Fortitude
GIFTS
save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma modifier +
the Immortal’s total number of victories) to resist the
effect.
An Immortal may invest his Aura to increase either
the radius or the effect. Each die spent increases
the radius by 10 feet or adds 1d4 to the hardness
increase/decrease effect. This power cannot reduce
objects’ hardness below zero.
Raise the Bones of the Earth
The first and simplest manifestation of an Immortal’s
dominion over elemental earth allows him to create
objects of pure earth. These creations are extremely
heavy, crudely formed and look like carvings made
of stone, soil or sand.
Objects created through the use of this power do
not have hit points or hardness. They cannot suffer
damage from any known physical or magical attack.
However, they are subject to the same rules for
dispelling that govern all Immortal gifts.
The Immortal can use this power in one of two
ways:
176
Channel: The Immortal can cause objects of earth
and stone to erupt out of his skin. For a cost of one
Aura the Immortal can create any suit of armour,
piece of personal equipment or weapon his mind
can imagine. If he creates a weapon that uses
ammunition (e.g. a bow or sling) the weapon creates
what it needs as it is used.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura into
weapons or armour he may grant these items
appropriate abilities using the costs presented in the
chart above. The Immortal cannot add any version
of the following abilities: anarchic, axiomatic,
brilliant energy, dancing, flaming burst, flaming,
glamoured, holy, icy burst, returning, shadow, shock,
shocking burst, silent moves, slick, speed, throwing,
thundering, undead controlling, unholy or wild.
Infuse: The Immortal can cause huge amounts of
elemental earth to appear within line of sight up to
a maximum range of 400 feet. By spending one
Aura the Immortal can fill a five-foot cube with
pure elemental earth. Moving this earth requires a
Strength check (DC 30). Each additional die adds
a five-foot radius around the centre cube. Each
cube must be moved separately.
If the Immortal wishes to use this power to attack
a target he must make a ranged touch attack. If
he succeeds the target takes 1d8 bludgeoning
damage and is knocked back to the edge of the
effect. If the Immortal attacks a radius he must
use the grenade rules and everyone with the area
of effect may make a Reflex save (DC 10 + the
Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the Immortal’s
total number of victories) to negate the damage
and the knock back.
Reaffirm the Faith of Stone
When the power of elemental earth touches
positive energy it becomes animated. These
elemental spirits embody the stability of earth
while developing awareness wholly unlike
anything mortals possess. Many Immortals,
especially those with dominion over elemental
earth, rely on these steady creatures as bodyguards
and defenders.
When an Immortal draws elemental earth and
places it into these spirits he can greatly increase
their strength, durability and effectiveness. He
also gains, to one degree or another, the ability
to command these creatures as if they were his
 GIFTS

doubt its existence. Many, in fact, yearn for it; they

Combining the Six Elements feel its existence explains the dark longings of their
Immortals will, inevitably, try to combine hearts. Were they ever to encounter it face to face,
more than one elemental power in an attempt to feel its taint on their skin and its almost living
to directly create complex objects. Until the intelligence pressing down on their souls, those same
Immortal transcends, this effort will fail; a mind mortals who blame it for their own free choice would
still tied to mortal concepts cannot encompass discover a sobering truth. As horrible, as black, as
the interrelationships and patterns required to corrupting as mythic evil and the fear it embodies
make direct creation possible. may be the mortal soul can encompass shadows even
darker.
personal servants.
When an Immortal receives mastery of mythic evil
he gains the ability to channel embodied fear and
Channel: When an Immortal channels the power of
greed into the world. He can offer his Aura to this
elemental earth into his soul he gains dominion over
power, sacrificing parts of himself in order to make
earth elementals. By spending one Aura he gains
it take whatever shape he desires. This evil can even
the ability to, as a free action, look at one elemental
take on physical form, becoming seemingly normal
creature with the earth subtype within line of sight
items that bear with them a faint taint of malice.
and enter into a contest of wills with it. Both parties
roll a Will save, if the Immortal’s saving throw has a
Mortal eyes see pure evil as a kind of augmentation
higher result than the elementals the elemental must
of the shadows. Everything touched by it becomes
obey one command issued by the Immortal within
darker, less distinct and somehow more ominous.
the next round.
Common things caught up in the evil take on sinister
meaning and import.
An Immortal may invest his Aura to increase the
number of free actions he may take before this power
An Immortal with this mastery can perform three
dissipates. Each bonus point gives the Immortal an
actions: call cold shadows, command to bear bitter
additional free action.
fruit and corrupt like ink in water.
If a mortal or Immortal somehow cancels this power
Call Cold Shadows: When an Immortal calls
the Immortal loses all of his remaining free actions.
cold shadows he weaves mythic evil into a solid
physical form. These objects always look like they
lie in shadows even if subjected to direct sunlight.
Infuse: When an Immortal draws elemental earth
Individuals picking them up can also feel cold,
and feeds it directly into elemental creatures with the
baleful hate from the object.
earth subtype he can greatly increase their strength
and durability. By spending one Aura he gains the
Channel: When an Immortal channels mythic chaos
ability to, as a free action, heal 1d8 hit points of
through his body he can shape it with his Aura into
damage to an earth elemental or increase one of its
various objects for personal use. For a cost of one
abilities by +2 for ten rounds.
Aura the Immortal can create any suit of armour,
piece of personal equipment or weapon his mind
An Immortal may invest his Aura to increase the
can imagine. If he creates a weapon that uses
number of free action he may take before this power
ammunition (e.g. a bow or sling) the weapon creates
dissipates. However, these additional actions take
ammunition as it is used.
the form of bonus dice rather than bonus points.
Each bonus die adds 1d8 temporary hit points or
When an Immortal invests additional Aura into an
1d4 to a specific attribute. Both of these effects
evil item he may use the costs on the chart above to
last for one hour. Alternately he may spend three
purchase armour or weapon abilities as appropriate.
dice to increase the elemental’s size category by one
He cannot buy the weapon abilities axiomatic,
category.
anarchic or holy.
Mastery of Mythic Evil Items made of mythic evil have one hardness and
Although scholars debate the existence of a pure one hit point regardless of how sturdy they look. If
evil in the universe, less sophisticated men do not the item is destroyed the Immortal may, as a free

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action, make a new Channel check and invest the
appropriate amount of Aura to instantly recreate it.
Objects created in this fashion can be traded to other
characters.
Infuse: When an Immortal infuses mythic evil into
the air he can concentrate it into various physical
objects. This uses the same rules as the Channel
power described above, substituting dice for bonus
points. However, the Immortal can give these
objects to other characters.
Any good aligned character holding one of these
objects immediately gains one negative level. Any
character holding the object must make a Will save
(DC 10 + the Immortal’s Cha modifier) or become
evilly aligned while it remains in his possession.
Command to Bear Bitter Fruit: There is evil
in mortal’s hearts, evil the likes of which would
make even the most demented demon think twice.
When an Immortal commands that evil to bear
bitter fruit, even the strongest, purest of mortal men
must struggle to resist the siren’s call. Evil’s path
is simple, easy and seductive; one need only stretch
forth one’s hand to take what one needs in order to
fall onto it.
Channel: When the Immortal commands his own
heart to bear bitter fruit he fans the flames of evil
within himself. As he infuses his fear and greed
with supernatural power he becomes both more
charismatic and less trustworthy. By spending one
point of Aura he gathers up enough evil to grant
himself a +1 bonus to any skill check or attack roll
targeting a good creature.
When the Immortal channels additional Aura into
this ability he may spend the bonus points to affect
either his bonus to skill checks or his attack roll.
Infuse: When the Immortal commands others’ hearts
to bear bitter fruit he shows them the evil in their
own souls. Good creatures who face this power
often will themselves to death rather than accept the
truth shown to them.
The Immortal may target one good creature within
line of sight with this ability. He must make a ranged
touch attack. If he succeeds he spends one Aura and
the target must make a Will save. If the target fails it
takes 1d8 damage, ignoring all damage reduction or
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energy resistance.
The Immortal can increase this damage by investing
Aura and making an Infuse check.
Unlike most power uses this one has an instant
duration.
Corrupt Like Ink in Water: The power of evil is
as insidious as it is subtle. In fact, mortals often find
they cannot take an action that does not, in one way
or another, strengthen mythic evil. This truth makes
evil difficult to fight. Wherever the crusader turns he
finds it lurking in the shadows. It also drives some
great men to madness, a state in which they easily
fall into evil’s service.
Channel: When an Immortal channels evil into the
air around him it creates a mantle of evil held in
place by his Aura. Doing this costs one Aura. This
light gives him a +1 deflection bonus to his armour
class and a +1 resistance bonus to his saves. It also
grants him SR 15 against good spells. The Immortal
may spend bonus points on a one for one basis to
increase any of these bonuses.
Infuse: The Immortal unleashes evil into the area
around him. This light fills a five-foot square that
must be within 30 feet of the Immortal’s current
position. If a creature is within the target area
the Immortal must make a ranged touch attack to
properly place the light.
Characters targeted by, or in the area affected by,
this power may not make a saving throw to avoid it.
When they wish to take an action they must make
a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories).
If they fail they must act as though they had an evil
alignment, regardless of their true alignment.
Creatures infected by corrupt like ink in water count
as evil outsiders for the purpose of items damaging
evil creatures and the detect evil spell.
This effect ends when the target character makes a
number of Will saves equal to the total number of
dice purchased by the Immortal. If this power inflicts
its effect on everyone within an area a creature that
leaves the area escapes the effect.
Dominion over Elemental Fire
When the gods wove the world they knew they
would need some mechanism to both rectify their

mistakes and to allow for future growth. To that
end they created elemental fire, the racing force of
transformation and destruction that can unbind the
other five elements. They bound a bit of fire into
everything they made, so that it could respond to
both the call of positive energy and the restful touch
of negative power.
In its raw form elemental fire resembles the flame
mortals commonly encounter in their hearths and
forges. The primary visible difference between
these tame flames and elemental fire rests in their
colours. Mortal flames generally draw their colour
from whatever sustains them. Elemental fire burns
with a thousand colours, most of them with no
names in mortal languages. Mortals sometimes
collectively call these colours ‘clear’ or ‘colourless’
but that just reveals both their lack of imagination
and their inability to describe the truth.
When an Immortal gains dominion over elemental
fire he tries to bind the tool of both transformation
and destruction to his will. This is at best a tricky
business. At worst the elemental fire will rage out of
the Immortal’s control, casting shadows capable of
destroying the entire world.
When an Immortal uses his dominion over elemental
fire he may use it to create one of the following
effects: bind with words like cobwebs, unleash
flame’s red wrath or cool with silver flames.
Bind with Words like Cobwebs: In order to gain
dominion over elemental fire the Immortal must first
learn the charms and words of power used by the
gods to bind fire in the first place. By using these
charms the Immortal can create an aura of flame or
forge items out of pure fire.
Channel: The Immortal can cause objects of flame
to erupt out of his skin. For a cost of one Aura the
Immortal can create any suit of armour, piece of
personal equipment or weapon his mind can imagine.
If he creates a weapon that uses ammunition (e.g. a
bow or sling) the weapon creates what it needs as it
is used.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura into
weapons or armour he may grant these items
appropriate abilities using the costs presented in the
chart above. The Immortal cannot add any version
of the following abilities: anarchic, axiomatic, shock,
shocking burst, silent moves, speed, throwing,
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thundering, undead controlling, unholy or wild.
These items have one hardness and one hit point.
The Immortal can share these items with others, but
any character holding the object will take 1d8 fire
damage each round.
Infuse: The Immortal can channel pure elemental
fire into an area. By spending one Aura the Immortal
may target one empty five-foot square within line
of sight. That square erupts into flame capable of
dealing 1d8 fire damage on anyone passing through
it. If the Immortal wishes to target an occupied
square he must make a ranged touch attack. The
square’s occupant may make a Reflex save (DC 10 +
the Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the Immortal’s
total number of victories) to take half damage.
When an Immortal makes an Infuse check he may
gain additional dice to use with this power. Each
die either increases the radius of the effect by ten
feet or increases the damage done by 1d8. When the
Immortal targets an area with this ability he does not
have to make a ranged touch attack to affect targets
within the effect’s radius.
Cool with Silver Flames: Elemental fire does not
always rage out of control. The gods built into it
words and charms capable of soothing it to more
complex uses, although getting it to listen to these
bonds requires considerable acts of will. Nor will
fire listen for long; almost as soon as it hits a quiet
moment the elemental flames will surge back into
frenzied life.
Channel: When an Immortal binds cool flame into a
mantle around him he appears to be surrounded by an
aura of silver flames. For the cost of one Aura these
flames dance lazily around the character, consuming
anything that attempts to come into contact with
him. Any creature making a melee attack or coming
into direct physical contact with the character in a
grapple takes 1d8 fire damage in addition to his
normal damage. Furthermore, the Immortal gains a
+2 bonus to his Escape Artist checks.
When an Immortal invests his Aura he may add the
bonus points either to the skill bonus or to the fire
damage dealt by the Aura.
Infuse: An Immortal can use momentarily quieted
flames to create strikingly detailed illusions. By
spending one Aura the Immortal can effectively cast
GIFTS
permanent image as a 1st level wizard. The DC to
resist this spell-like ability is 10 + the Immortal’s
Cha modifier. Each additional die invested in this
effect increases the character’s caster level by +1 or
increases the DC by +1.
Unleash Flame’s Red Wrath: Although flame can
be quieted it naturally prefers to rage out of control.
When it does so an Immortal with dominion over it
can use his own Aura to contain it, but just barely.
Unleashed elemental fire represents one of the most
dangerous forces ever created by gods or men.
Channel: When an Immortal channels unleashed
elemental fire through his body he emits pulsing
waves of flame capable of destroying even the
heartiest objects. By spending one Aura he deals
1 point of fire damage to everything within a five-
foot radius. Each bonus point invested in this ability
increases either the damage by 1 point or the radius
by five feet.
Infuse: When an Immortal unleashes elemental fire
into an area it consumes everything it comes into
contact with. By spending one Aura the Immortal can
target an unoccupied five-foot square. Everything
within the square takes 1 point of damage per round
to its hardness. After its hardness drops to zero the
elemental fire deals 1d8 damage to any objects in the
area of effect. The Immortal can target an occupied
square; in this case he must make a ranged touch
attack and the target does not gain a saving throw.
Living creatures caught in the area of effect take 1d6
damage per round.
Each die of damage adds +5 feet to the radius or
increases the damage done per round by +1 die.
Master of Mythic Good
Both scholars and common men doubt whether
mythic good exists at all. They see, or think they see,
the effects of pure evil in the world every day in the
hanging gallows and the raven’s triumphant call after
a bloody battle. Yet they somehow blind themselves
to the signs of evil’s opposite or even worse assume
that a mother’s touch or a friend’s gentle laugh carry
less portent than the ills done unto them. Such
thinking, naturally, weakens mythic good’s position
in the universe while strengthening evil. Good relies
on people reaching out to one another; when they
deliberately close themselves off they strangle it
before it can take root.
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When an Immortal receives mastery over mythic
good he gains both the right and the responsibility
to bring pure good directly into the world. The
power of good is a willing servant when called to
assist others but it rarely, if ever, allows itself to
cause permanent harm. The only time it yearns
for direct conflict comes when it encounters mythic
evil directly. Then it casts aside its reservations to
grapple fully with its nemesis.
Mortal eyes see mythic good as a shining, source-less
white light that casts no shadows. This light ignites
an inner glow in everything it touches, accentuating
how it fits into the wonder and hope carrying mortals
to their glorious future. When the Immortal shapes
good into physical form it always seems pure and
shining, never sullied or flawed.
An Immortal with mastery of mythic good can use it
to perform the following actions: forge light, ignite
hope’s fire and light hope’s shining beacon
Forge Light: When an Immortal master of mythic
good draws the slender threads of good together he
creates fields or objects that shine with holy light.
Creatures of evil who come near them find they burn
when they make the mistake of touching them.
Channel: An Immortal who channels mythic good
into himself can use his Aura to shape it into armour,
objects of personal equipment or weapons. For a
cost of one Aura the Immortal can create such items
as his mind can imagine. If he creates a weapon that
uses ammunition (e.g. a bow or sling) the weapon
creates what it needs as it is used.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura into
weapons or armour he may grant these items
appropriate abilities using the costs presented in the
chart above. The Immortal cannot add any version
of the following abilities: anarchic, axiomatic,
undead controlling, unholy or wild.
These items have one hardness and one hit point.
The Immortal can share these items with others,
but any evil character touching the object gains a
negative level and takes 1d4 points of damage each
round.
Infuse: An Immortal who infuses holy light into
an area can select any five-foot square within line
of sight as his target. If an evil creature is within

the space the Immortal must make a ranged touch
attack to hit the target. Any evil creature moving
into or through the target space must make Will save
(DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the
Immortal’s total number of victories) or be checked
for the round.
When an Immortal channels his aura into this effect
he may either convert each die into an additional
+5-foot radius to the area of effect or give the field
the ability to deal 1d4 damage per round per die
spent to evil characters. In an area of effect the evil
character must make a Will save each time he enters
an affected square.
Ignite Heart’s Fire: When an Immortal ignites
heart’s fire he reaches deep into the hearts of good
men and women to bolster their strength. This power
can inspire armies and drive mortals to extremes
unimagined by those creatures who consider
themselves ‘purely good’. Just as mortals are the
only ones who can truly sink into evil’s depths they
are also the only ones who can freely scale to the
heights of pure good.
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Channel: When an Immortal channels mythic good
into his own heart he grants himself a bonus to his
attack and damage rolls. For one Aura he gains a +1
morale bonus to attack and damage rolls. When he
invests further Aura he may increase this bonus with
his bonus points at a one to one ratio.
Infuse: When an Immortal infuses mythic good into
the hearts of others he creates a field around himself
with a 5-foot radius. Every good character within
the area of effect excluding the Immortal receives a
+1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
When the Immortal infuses additional Aura into
this effect he can increase radius or add new effects.
Each die invested increases the radius by +5-feet.
The Immortal can also add the bonus dice directly
to the damage dealt by creatures of good alignment
with their melee weapons (at a rate of +1d4 per die)
or grant creatures within the area of effect ‘second
chance’ saving throws if they fail their initial saving
throw to resist a magical effect cast by an evil caster.
Each ‘second chance’ effect drains one die from the
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number of dice allocated to this effect. When it
reaches zero the field vanishes.
This field does not move with the Immortal.
Light Hope’s Shining Beacon: When an Immortal
master of mythic good reaches into the hearts of
mortals or Immortals to inspire the good he finds
there, it is said that he ‘lights hope’s shining beacon’
in the target’s soul. This light infuses the target,
driving him to do good even if he does not know
why.
Channel: When an Immortal channels goodness into
the air around him it creates a mantle of good held in
place by his Aura. Doing this costs one Aura. This
light gives him a +1 deflection bonus to his armour
class and a +1 resistance bonus to his saves. It also
grants him SR 15 against evil spells. The Immortal
may spend bonus points on a one for one basis to
increase any of these bonuses.
Infuse: An Immortal with this power may target
either a specific person within line of sight or
emanate holy light in a 5-foot radius around himself.
In either case activating this ability costs one Aura.
Each additional die invested allows the Immortal to
target one additional person or increase the radius
by five feet.
Characters targeted by or in the area affected by
this power may not make a saving throw to avoid it.
When they wish to take an action they must make
a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories).
If they fail they must act as though they had a good
alignment, regardless of their true alignment.
Creatures infected with the shape of things to come
count as good outsiders for the purpose of items
damaging good creatures and the detect good spell.
This effect ends when the target character makes a
number of Will saves equal to the total number of
dice purchased by the Immortal. If this power inflicts
its effect on everyone within an area a creature that
leaves the area escapes the effect.
Master of Mythic Law
Of the four mythic powers scholars understand the
least about mythic law. They can see the order and
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structure inherent in the universe but cannot imagine
this order represents more than just evidence of
the great gear-maker’s intent. That the gods might
have accidentally imbued the world’s structure
with volition of its own, backed by an awareness
encompassing everything that is, was or ever could
be simply eludes them. Yet, regardless of their desire
for their views to shape the world, this force not only
exists; it thrives.
When an Immortal receives mastery of mythic law
he gains the ability to magnify law’s power to such
a magnitude even the most myopic of scholars must
admit its existence. This is the same power that
holds events to their proper course and maintains
the order of the heavens. With it, an Immortal can
set aright all things that have gone awry through any
random happenstance.
Mortal eyes see mythic law as a trembling in the
air not unlike a very faint, perfectly faceted crystal.
They feel it as a cool steady breeze on their skin and
a tingling in their bones telling them which way to
go and what to do. Those who resist it sense its
oppressive weight all around them, blocking their
motion at every possible turn. Objects formed from
mythic law always have a crystalline appearance, as
if their structure boasts such perfect patterning that
they cannot help but gleam.
Immortals with mastery of mythic law may use it to
create the following effects: draw a path to the sky,
guide with law’s hand and order the seasons.
Draw a Path to the Sky: When an Immortal exerts
his mastery over mythic law to draw a path to the
sky he uses pure law to build patterns capable of
containing magic and energy. Once the Immortal
traps a force within this pattern he can unleash it at
his whim.
Channel: The Immortal builds a trap of pattern and
power in his heart. When a magical effect or energy
attack touches that trap it becomes enfolded within
it. By spending one Aura the Immortal builds a trap
capable of absorbing 10 points of energy damage or
1 level of spells. Each bonus point spent increases
either of these effects on a one to one ratio.
Once something enters the trap the Immortal may, as
a free action, release the trapped energy or spell. The
energy becomes a ray touch attack extending up to

60 feet away. A spell can be released normally, but
has a caster level equal to the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier plus his total number of victories.
Infuse: The Immortal builds a trapping pattern of
power in the air. This trap absorbs dice of energy
damage or magical spells cast into the area of effect.
The Immortal can then unleash them or draw them
by drawing them into a previously established
channel use of this power.
For the cost of one Aura the Immortal creates a field
in a 5-foot square. This field can absorb up to ten
dice of energy attacks or ten levels of spells. Each
additional die infused increases the number of dice
of damage or the number of spell levels the field can
absorb before becoming full.
The Immortal can fill his channelled pattern with
power from an infused one he created from anywhere
in the universe. Doing this takes a standard action.
However, the Immortal does not have any way of
knowing what a field contains unless he witnessed
the energy or spell being absorbed.
Guide with Law’s Hand: When an Immortal
tries to guide the world with law’s hand he subtly
strengthens the patterns that keep the world in
balance. This reinforcement alters the behaviour of
those caught within the area of effect, making it less
likely they will stray from destiny’s narrow path.
Channel: When an Immortal channels law into the
air around him it creates a mantle of law held in place
by his Aura. Doing this costs one Aura. This light
gives him a +1 deflection bonus to his armour class
and a +1 resistance bonus to his saves. It also grants
him SR 15 against chaotic spells. The Immortal may
spend bonus points on a one for one basis to increase
any of these bonuses.
Infuse: An Immortal with this power may target
either a specific person within line of sight or
reinforce law’s pattern in a five-foot radius around
himself. In either case activating this ability costs
one Aura. Each additional die invested allows the
Immortal to target one additional person or increase
the radius by five feet.
Characters targeted by or in the area affected by
this power may not make a saving throw to avoid it.
When they wish to take an action they must make
a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories).
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If they fail they must act as though they had a lawful
alignment, regardless of their true alignment.
Creatures infected by guide with law’s hand count as
lawful outsiders for the purpose of items damaging
lawful creatures and the detect law spell.
This effect ends when the target character makes a
number of Will saves equal to the total number of
dice purchased by the Immortal. If this power inflicts
its effect on everyone within an area a creature that
leaves the area escapes the effect.
Order the Seasons: When an Immortal uses this
function of his mastery of mythic law he reaches
out into objects and people to reverse the damage
done to them by things that seek to cause unlawful
change. This power resembles the healing magic of
less powerful creatures, but can reverse the effects of
nearly anything that occurred in a random or magical
fashion.
Channel: When an Immortal prepares this power
for himself he creates a pool of healing that invokes
when he gets below zero hit points. If the attack
that took the Immortal below zero came from a
magical weapon, spell or effect the healing power
flows through him. For an investment of one Aura
the Immortal creates a healing pool of 10 hit points.
Every bonus point invested increases this pool at a
one to one ratio.
Infuse: When an Immortal gently soothes the tattered
patterns imposed by mythic law that bind mortal
creature’s life to their bodies he can heal almost
any injury caused by a chaotic creature or a magical
spell. The Immortal must touch the target to use this
ability. By spending one Aura he heals 1d8 damage
or one point of attribute damage.
Each bonus die gained from an Infusion check
increases this healing by 1d8 or one point of attribute
damage. This power can heal a ‘dead’ body if it is
applied within one minute. If the body is raised to
full hit points the creature returns to life. It can also
heal objects, constructs and undead.
Aura invested in this use of the power remains
invested for 24 hours as it soothes and maintains the
patterns in the target creature’s body.
Dominion over Elemental Negative
Energy
When the gods wove the world they knew they
GIFTS
would need a way to bring things back to quiet and
stillness as well as a way to hedge in the other five
elements. To this end they created negative energy,
a shadowy force with which they wove the element’s
boundaries. They bound a bit of negative energy
into everything, so that it could eventually come to a
natural and logical end.
In its raw form elemental negative energy looks like
a seething mass of sharp-edged, broken shadows
gathered into a constantly writhing clump. Despite
its constant motion it radiates a coldness and a kind
of waiting stillness most mortals associate with
predators like spiders and tigers. Its presence in an
area leaves even the hardiest mortal trembling with
the certain knowledge he stands close to death’s
open door.
When an Immortal gains dominion over negative
energy he binds it with his Aura’s strength. He
hedges it in with his own spirit so that it does not
consume everything it comes into contact with.
The elemental force will resist this constraint; the
resulting conflict has spelled the end of more than
one god and Immortal.
An Immortal exerting his dominion over negative
energy may use it to grasp with shadows, invoke the
end of all things or speak with the voice of ash and
dust.
Grasp with Shadows: This is the simplest of the
uses of negative energy, simply infusing an object
or area with it and allowing it to run rampant. Once
unleashed negative energy seeps hungrily lashes
about, seeking to absorb everything it can touch.
It also brings chill and cold to an area, coating
everything with a thin layer of frost no matter how
hot the day becomes.
Channel: The Immortal uses his Aura to entrap
small bits of negative energy with which he can
imbue the items he touches. For the cost of one
Aura the Immortal gains the ability to add a +1
deflection bonus to one suit of armour he wears and
a +1 damage bonus to any one weapon he holds.
Each additional point of Aura infused into this effect
allows him to increase either bonus using bonus
points at a one to one ratio.
Infuse: The Immortal reaches out with negative
energy and snuffs out energy effects. This effect
can target any energy generating effect or any force
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effect within line of sight. For a cost of one Aura the
Immortal removes one die (or four points) from the
effect. A force effect that does not deal damage is
considered to have a number of dice of effect equal
to its spell level.
When the Immortal infuses this effect with
additional Aura he can reduce the target effect by a
corresponding number of dice.
If this effect targets a permanent energy source (i.e. a
magical sword) the Immortal must maintain the Aura
investment to repress the target’s energy generation
abilities. Temporary effects (i.e. a bonfire or fireball
spell) lose the affected number of dice as soon as
the Immortal unleashes the effect and dissipate fully
within one round.
Invoke the End of All Things: The power of
negative energy exists to bring the universe’s end.
By bringing large amounts of raw negative energy
into contact with the negative energy bound into all
things the Immortal can cause terrible damage or
inflict negative levels on living creatures.
Channel: The Immortal channels pure negative
energy through his body in order to end any effect,
magical or mundane, currently affecting him. For
a cost of one Aura he can establish the ability to,
as a free action, negate any one condition, disease
or poison that could potentially cause him harm
excluding ability drain. When the Immortal
channels additional Aura into this effect he gains an
additional number of identical free actions equal to
the total number of bonus points available from the
Channel check.
Infuse: The Immortal infuses negative energy into
other objects or creatures, thereby bringing about
their end. The Immortal may target one non-undead
creature or one object within line of sight. By
spending one Aura and making a touch attack the
Immortal deals 1d4 damage on an object (ignoring
hardness) and inflicts one negative level on a living
creature. The creature may make a Will save (DC 10
+ the Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the Immortal’s
total number of victories) to avoid this effect.
When an Immortal infuses the target with additional
negative energy objects take an additional 1d4
damage per die inflicted and living creatures suffer
from an additional negative level. If the Immortal
so desires he may ‘spread’ the dice/negative levels

among adjacent objects or creatures. Each targeted
creature may make a Will save to resist the effect.
If a creature is reduced below 0 level by negative
energy it rises from the dead as a wraith under the
Immortal’s personal control within 1d4 days.
Speak with the Voice of Ash and Dust: Of all the
creatures in the universe only undead have achieved
any level of animation by flooding themselves with
negative energy. Even the gods do not know how
this came about, although some of them do use it
to their own advantage. Dominion over negative
energy implies, by default, mastery over the
creatures that some scholars think of as ‘negative
energy elementals’ as well.
Channel: When an Immortal channels the power of
negative energy into his voice he gains the ability to
rebuke undead as if he were an evil cleric. He has
an effective cleric level equal to his total number of
victories. Rebuking undead using this ability is a
free action. When the Immortal invests one Aura
into this ability to activate it he gains one rebuke
attempt. Once the attempt is expended he must
invoke the power again.
When the Immortal channels additional Aura into
this ability he gains a number of free actions equal to
the total number of bonus points generated.
Infuse: When an Immortal draws elemental negative
energy and feeds it directly into undead he greatly
increases their strength and durability. By spending
one Aura he gains the ability to, as a free action, heal
1d8 hit points of damage to an undead or increase
one of its abilities by +2 for 10 rounds.
An Immortal may invest his Aura to increase the
number of free actions he may take before this
power dissipates. However, these additional actions
take the form of bonus dice rather than bonus points.
Each bonus die adds 1d8 temporary hit points or 1d4
to a specific attribute. Both of these effects last for
one hour. Alternately he may spend three dice to
increase the undead’s size by one category.
Dominion over Elemental Positive
Energy
When the gods wove the world they realised they
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needed a way to bring animation and spirit into
things, so as to separate creatures from objects.
In order to do so they created the elemental power
known as positive energy. With this power they gave
life to all of the myriad creatures and plants. It also
combined with their intentions to create the mythic
powers and with raw leakages of elemental forces to
form the myriad of celestial, elemental and infernal
spirits.
In its raw form elemental positive energy resembles
shining, liquid silver and gold light. It both radiates
warmth and reflects images of the things surrounding
it back to its viewer’s eyes. Everything touched by
its light seems to quiver, as though it were just a
moment from bowing before entering a great dance.
When an Immortal gains dominion over elemental
positive energy he uses his Aura to contain a bit
of the spark of life. He can then either feed this
spark with additional power or unleash it into the
world. Like all of the elemental powers, handling
raw positive energy carries with it the risk of
considerable unintentional side effects. Things in
the world were made in such a way as to handle only
as much positive energy as they need to continue.
Exceeding that threshold can cause more harm than
good, or even bring animation to things meant to
remain still.
An Immortal exerting his dominion over elemental
positive energy may invoke the following effects:
call the measure from days long past, call the
moment before the dawn and voice the thunder in
the morning.
Call the Measure from Days Long Past: The
Immortal ignites the sparks of positive energy within
all objects he comes into contact with. This causes
the affected object to animate, entering into the
dance of life regardless of its original role. Some
Immortals can use this ability to create elementals
or even outsiders if they can bring enough positive
energy into contact with raw elemental or mythic
power.
Channel: When an Immortal uses this ability he
can animate any object of Large size or less that he
touches. This animated object acts as an animated
object creature (as described in Core Rulebook III).
Invoking this power costs one Aura.
When an Immortal invests additional Aura into this
GIFTS
effect he can use the bonus points to increase the
animated creature’s hit dice on a one for one basis.
Alternately, he can increase the size of an object he
animates by +1 category for each bonus point.
Infuse: An Immortal only uses this function of his
dominion when he has access to large amounts of
raw elemental power or mythic energy. He can
use this ability on any field or expression of power
within line of sight.
When the Immortal activates this power he funnels
pure positive energy into the opposing force. This
takes a full-round action. Immediately thereafter
the force animates into a creature of the appropriate
type, negating whatever effect it originally created.
Mythic forces animate into outsiders of the
appropriate alignment. Elemental powers animate
into elementals. Negative and positive energy
simply vanish.
For the cost of one Aura the spirit thus animated has
three HD, a normal attribute array and is of Medium
size. Each additional bonus die channelled into the
creature’s HD increases the HD by two. Bonus dice
channelled into an ability increase that ability by
1d4. The creature has other abilities appropriate to
its base creature type.
A spirit formed by this power will obey the
animating Immortal without question. If the
Immortal withdraws his Aura the spirit vanishes,
taking whatever raw power it contained with it.
Call the Moment Before the Dawn: The Immortal
uses this effect to infuse objects or create fields of
positive energy without causing everything within
the area to animate. Doing this requires remarkably
careful manipulation of the Immortal’s Aura, as
he uses it to simultaneously channel the positive
energy and buffer every object the energy comes into
contact with.
Channel: The Immortal uses his Aura to entrap
small bits of positive energy with which he can
imbue the items he touches. For the cost of one
Aura the Immortal gains the ability to add a +1
deflection bonus to one suit of armour he wears and
a +1 damage bonus to any one weapon he holds.
Each additional point of Aura infused into this effect
allows him to increase either bonus using bonus
points at a one to one ratio.
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Infuse: When an Immortal infuses positive energy
in the world he creates a field around himself with a
five-foot radius. Every non-undead creature entering
this area immediately begins healing at a rate of one
hit point per round. Undead within the area of effect
take 1 point of damage each round.
As the Immortal invests more Aura into this effect
he may use bonus dice to increase the effect radius
or to add additional effects. Each die adds one of the
following: +5 feet radius, +1d4 damage to undead or
+1d4 healing per round. This field does not move
with the Immortal.
Voice the Thunder in the Morning: When an
Immortal floods himself or the area around him
with waves of positive energy it is said that he ‘gives
voice to the thunder in the morning’ because of the
strange, thunderous hum he emits while engaged
in this activity. The vast floods of positive energy
coming through the Immortal’s Aura can either heal
the Immortal himself or cause items not in contact
with the character to become animated as if they
were living beings.
Channel: The Immortal unleashes a wave of positive
energy through his body. This positive energy knits
the damage done to him and helps him to resist
disease and other degenerative effects. By spending
one Aura the Immortal instantly heals d4 hit points
and gains a +1 bonus to his saving throws against
disease or poison until he releases the effect. As the
Immortal channels additional Aura into bonus points
he can spend these points to either increase the
amount of healing or the value of the saving throw
bonus on a one to one basis.
Infuse: The Immortal unleashes a wave of positive
energy into a specific area. For the cost of one Aura
this power unleashes a 30-foot cone of positive
energy each round. Animals, humanoids, magical
beasts and vermin caught in this cone must make
a Reflex save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma +
the Immortal’s total number of victories) or become
blind for one round. Undead caught in the cone
must make a similar save or take 1d8 damage. A
successful save negates either effect.
As the Immortal channels additional power into this
effect he may use each bonus die to increase the
blindness effect’s duration by one round, increase
the cone width by 5-feet or increase the damage

done to undead by 1d8. He may also use two bonus
dice to add another 90-degree arc to the cone. In this
case two bonus dice create a half-circle effect, three
a 270-degree arc around the Immortal and six a full
circle. If the Immortal expends eight bonus dice he
creates a full sphere around himself.
The Immortal must unleash a pulse of positive
energy each round he maintains this power. Doing
so counts as a move action.
Dominion over Elemental Water
When the gods wove the world they realised they
would need something to counteract earth’s rigidity
as well as a force capable of binding things together.
To that end they created elemental water, a force
capable of both fluid motion and stability under
pressure. They placed a bit of water into all things,
from the mountains to the seas, so that nothing
would ever break under its own weight.
In its pure form elemental water looks like pure,
crystal-clear water. Light does not refract within
it nor does anything live within it, so it has neither
colour nor flavour. Any mortal who drinks elemental
water will feel his thirst quenched but draws no
refreshment from it as the pure element does not
provide any positive energy to the mortal’s flagging
body. If forced into a ‘solid’ form elemental water
looks a great deal like ice or glass.
When an Immortal gains dominion over elemental
water he draws a tiny bit of this substance from the
fathomless deeps the gods created at the beginning
of time. He can then shape this water into forms
meeting his needs.
When exerting his dominion the Immortal can cause
one of the following effects: call from the distant
shore, forge the iron beneath the waves or unleash
pounding waves.
Call from the Distant Shores: This represents the
simplest possible effect an Immortal can invoke
with his dominion over elemental water. With it he
creates a wave of rolling water that carries him to his
desired destination. This wave does not fly, but can
move along either water or earth with equal ease.
Channel: The Immortal creates a wave of water under
his feet that carries him toward whatever destination
he desires. This wave moves at a rate of 90 feet per
round and never tires. It can move straight up walls
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GIFTS
and at full speed over any terrain but cannot fly.
Each bonus point the Immortal invests in this wave
increases its movement speed by +1 foot.
Infuse: The Immortal uses a wave of water to pick
up and move an object within line of sight. This
wave can strike an unwilling target by making a
touch attack. It has an effective Strength ability of
30. It does no damage to living creatures, but can
pick up any creature or object of less than Huge size,
effectively immobilising it. Once held the creature
can grapple with the wave; if the creature wins the
grapple check it may escape using the grappling
rules.
The wave itself counts as a Huge creature and has
a base movement rate of five feet. It does not take
damage from physical, magical or Immortal attacks.
As the Immortal channels additional Aura into
the wave he can do one of the following: increase
its Strength by 1d4, increase its size (and its
corresponding maximum lift size) by +1 size
category per die or increase its movement speed by
+5 feet.
Forge the Iron Beneath the Waves: When an
Immortal invokes this effect he uses his Aura to
provide elemental water with enough stability to
form reasonably solid objects. These objects look
like nothing so much as shards of ice held together
by wispy webs of frost and pure light.
Channel: The Immortal can cause objects of water
to ooze from his skin. For a cost of one Aura the
Immortal can create any suit of armour, piece of
personal equipment or weapon his mind can imagine.
If he creates a weapon that uses ammunition, (e.g. a
bow or sling) the weapon creates ammunition as it
is used.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura into
weapons or armour he may grant these items
appropriate abilities using the costs presented in the
chart above. The Immortal cannot add any version
of the following abilities: anarchic, axiomatic, holy,
shock, shocking burst, silent moves, speed, throwing,
thundering, undead controlling, unholy or wild.
These items have 1 hardness and 1 hit point. The
Immortal can share these items with others, but any
character holding the object will take 1d8 damage
each round.
GIFTS
Infuse: The Immortal can cause huge amounts of
elemental water to appear within a line of sight up
to a maximum range of 400 feet. By spending one
Aura the Immortal can fill a 5-foot cube with pure
elemental water. The cube cannot be moved by any
force, but can be moved through at the rate of one
5-foot cube per round. Each additional die creates
adds a 5-foot radius around the centre cube.
If the Immortal wishes to use this power to attack
a target he must make a ranged touch attack. If he
succeeds the target takes 1d8 bludgeoning damage
and is entrapped in the cube. If the Immortal attacks
a radius he must use the grenade rules and everyone
with the area of effect may make a Reflex save
(DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the
Immortal’s total number of victories) to negate the
damage. An entrapped creature must hold his breath
or begin to take suffocation damage.
Unleash Pounding Waves: Elemental water, like all
of the elemental powers, is more than just a physical
material. It is the substance responsible for things’
flexibility and their ability to retain their shape under
pressure. When the Immortal invokes this effect he
takes advantage of this to cause the world to tremble
and shake around him.
Channel: When the Immortal channels elemental
water into his own Aura it can cause objects to
slide off him. He gains the ability use freedom of
movement, as the spell, for one round per day. As
the Immortal invests additional Aura into this effect
he may add the bonus points directly to the number
of rounds this ability is available per day.
Infuse: The Immortal unleashes a wave of elemental
water into a specific area. For the cost of one Aura
this power unleashes a 30-foot cone of elemental
water each round. Any unanchored object of
Medium size or less caught in the cone is swept
to the end of the cone’s range. Any creature in the
area of effect may make a Reflex save (DC 10 + the
Immortal’s Charisma modifier + the Immortal’s total
number of victories) to avoid being swept back.
Anchored objects and creatures not swept back take
1d4 bludgeoning damage.
As the Immortal channels additional power into this
effect he may use each bonus die to increase the
cone width by +5 feet or increase the damage done
1d4. He may also use two bonus dice to add another
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90-degree arc to the cone. In this case two bonus
dice create a half-circle effect, three a 270-degree
arc around the Immortal and six a full circle. If the
Immortal expends eight bonus dice he creates a full
sphere around himself.
The Immortal must unleash a pulse of elemental
water each round he maintains this power. Doing so
counts as a move action.
Dominion over Wind
When the gods wove the world they realised they
needed a force to provide motion to all things. In
order to meet this need they created elemental
wind and bound a bit of it into all things. They
then chained the wind, allowing small bits of its
true strength to slip free from their prison in order
to refresh the world’s motion. These elemental
slippages became the foundation not only of the
weather but also of travel, navigation and – some
mortals claim – civilisation itself.
In its raw form mortals cannot see elemental wind
but they can feel its presence like a gentle pressure
on their skin. They can also see its effects in the
world around them: trees bend, the grasses rustle and
clouds carve stately progress through the sky. Wind
bound into ‘solid’ form looks like clouds or mist; just
barely solid enough to touch but not solid enough to
really feel.
When an Immortal gains dominion over elemental
wind he can command the force of motion itself. He
can leash a small bit of it with his aura or unleash
it, thereby allowing it to run freely over the world’s
surface. Wind used in this fashion tends to resist
being bound with disastrous consequences.
An Immortal exerting his dominion over elemental
air can invoke the following effects: spark the racing
wind, take up with the wind and trap within the
chains of will.
Spark the Racing Wind: When the Immortal
invokes this power he awakens the wind inherent in
physical objects. This causes the object to spring
into motion, whether it wills to or not. The Immortal
has some control over this motion but may discover
too late that this control is not as firm as he thinks.
Channel: The simplest use of this power occurs
when the Immortal lifts himself off the ground by
unleashing the wind stored in his physical form. This
grants him the ability to fly up to 20 feet per round

with poor manoeuvrability for the cost of one point
of Aura. The Immortal may improve this base speed
by +5 feet per round per bonus point expended.
Infuse: When an Immortal exerts his dominion over
the elemental wind in an object outside of himself
it has an effect similar to the telekinesis spell cast
at a level equal to the Immortal’s total number of
victories. This effect costs the Immortal one Aura
and it affects one object within line of sight.
As the Immortal invests more Aura into this effect he
may use the bonus dice to do the following: increase
the number of targets effected by +1, increase the
maximum weight affected by +200 pounds or
increase the total movement speed by +5 feet per
round.
Take up with the Wind: When an Immortal truly
unleashes the wind bound in every object it can
cause the object to vanish and reappear, almost as if
it were teleported to its new location. In effect, this
allows the Immortal to teleport himself, an object or
an unwilling target to whatever location he desires
Channel: By channelling this effect into his body the
Immortal grants himself the ability to teleport (as the
spell) as a free action. By spending one Aura the
Immortal gains the ability to take one free teleport
action before he must reset this power. As he
channels more Aura into this effect he may add the
total amount of bonus points gained to the number of
free teleport actions he may take.
Infuse: By infusing the wind contained in objects
with his Aura and as much elemental wind as they
can sustain the Immortal causes an object or person
he can touch to teleport to the destination of his
choosing. The Immortal must make a touch attack
to teleport an unwilling target. The target may make
a Will save (DC 10 + the Immortal’s Charisma
modifier + the Immortal’s total number of victories)
to negate the effect. This effect works in all other
ways like a teleport spell.
Each bonus die spent on this effect can increase the
range at which the Immortal can ‘touch’ the target
by +5 feet, allow the Immortal to include another
target in the effect or deal 1d10 damage on a teleport
mishap.
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When an Immortal uses this power on a target he
does not get the Aura invested back for 24 hours.
Trap Within the Chains of Will: When the
Immortal invokes this effect he binds elemental wind
into shapes resembling things mortals usually see:
arms and armour, storms and the great winds that
scour the lands bare.
Channel: The Immortal can cause objects of wind
to form in his hands or around his body. For a cost
of one Aura the Immortal can create any suit of
armour, piece of personal equipment or weapon his
mind can imagine. If he creates a weapon that uses
ammunition, (e.g. a bow or sling) the weapon creates
ammunition as it is used.
Weapons made of wind always deal nonlethal
damage. Armour made of wind always grants a
deflection bonus.
When the Immortal invests additional Aura into
weapons or armour he may grant these items
appropriate abilities using the costs presented in the
chart above. The Immortal cannot add any version
of the following abilities: anarchic, axiomatic, holy,
undead controlling, unholy or wild.
These items have 1 hardness and 1 hit point. The
Immortal can share these items with others, but any
character holding the object will take 1d8 nonlethal
damage each round.
Infuse: The Immortal can unleash vast environmental
effects by unleashing the untamed power of the
wind. By spending one Aura he can create any
normal environmental effect he desires in a one mile
radius. This effect remains in place until dispelled or
the Immortal removes it.
By investing additional Aura the Immortal can use
bonus dice to increase the radius of the area effected
by one mile per die or cause the damage done by the
environmental effect (if any) to increase by +1 die.
CHALLENGES
Challenges
T
he previous five chapters cover the system
mechanics and world details required to play
an Immortal character. They outlined the
powers Immortals serve and the abilities they gain in
that service. However, all of this information leaves
one cornerstone of the system in an ambiguous
state: the challenges constantly referred to in all five
chapters.
Mechanically, a challenge, as described below,
represents a set of interconnected tasks leading to
a single epic goal. As the character succeeds or
fails in completing these tasks the difficulty of the
goal changes correspondingly. Although multiple
characters may participate in the preparatory tasks
only one takes the responsibility for the final action.
In a game sense each challenge represents one of
the great ‘mythic’ quest archetypes. These quests
repeat themselves, in various forms, throughout the
campaign world’s history. Why situations continue
to demand these quests, indeed why the world
constantly calls up heroes and villains to perform
them, is a matter of great debate in learned halls.
Every generation of scholars suggests a hundred
new reasons, only to find their ideas do not truly
match the world as it unfolds. That, naturally, does
nothing to stop the next generation from engaging in
the debate.
Despite this repetition, not all of the quests opening
before the characters will merit the title or structure
of a challenge. Only those quests most closely
associated with the mythic archetypes bringing the
participants into direct contact with the universe’s
fundamental powers can guide the character to
apotheosis.
Challenges, Quests,
Tests and Trials
In terms of game mechanics quests, tests and
trials all represent variations on the standard
challenge structure. These three terms may be used
interchangeably with challenge in the text below.
In world and story terms quests, tests and trials each
represent a specific narrative structure in which a
mechanical challenge occurs. The Games Master
should feel free to incorporate all three of these
190
structures into the game world, as well as creating
variations on them with which to shock and surprise
characters.
Classically a quest involves seeking out one or
more things with which to address a particular
challenge in the character’s world. Each stage of
the quest forces the questers into an emotional,
physical, psychological or spiritual journey. During
the journey the questers may grow or transform
into something more capable of facing the final
challenge. When the quest nears completion the
questers array themselves to deal with the final
challenge using all of the resources they gathered
during the quest journeys.
Unless otherwise stated each stage of a quest
subjects the challenger and his group to roughly five
times their average level in CR worth of encounters,
with a maximum CR of no more than their average
level +4.
Conversely a test forces the characters to address
a specific issue or set of tasks before they can gain
passage to the next stage of their journey. A quest
might involve one or more tests; alternately a test
may exist in order to bar passage to a specific state
of being or plane of existence. For the characters
the test exists within a specific moment. They may
spend months or years preparing for it but the actual
action takes place during a very short period of
time.
In a trial the characters must overcome a number
of progressively more difficult tests in order to
achieve their goal. A trial may be a quest; however,
the trial stages do not necessarily involve the
element of transformation that distinguishes each
stage of a quest. Progression through the trial as
a whole transforms the character; each test just
acts as a barrier rather than a means of personal
enlightenment.
Seeking Out a Challenge to
Face
A worthy hero, a legend in his own time, might never
come close to a challenge archetypal enough to bring
him to immortality, while a cowherd might step off
his field and be swept up into a challenge that shakes

the heavens before he knocks the dung off his boots.
This unfortunate state of affairs, well documented in
legend and literature, leads many who consciously
seek out Immortality to despair.
However, the circumstances described above
account only for random chance, not for the power
of mortals’ free will. The aforementioned hero
may not have sought out ascension. The cowherd
is obviously a slave to his own destiny. In neither
case did the individual bend his will to seeking out
immortality.
Those mortals who choose to walk the path to
immortality may use their knowledge of the world to
seek out opportunities to do so. These opportunities
routinely occur at or near wellsprings, places where
the world’s primal powers concentrate into a pure
form. In these places even the simplest action
becomes significant. The repetition of ancient deeds
and heroic actions become even more so, invoking
powers in existence since the world’s creation.
In practical terms characters encounter challenges
worthy of immortality in the following ways: recreate
one at a wellspring, stumble into one by blind luck
or undertake one sponsored to one by a god. Of the
three one appeals to those who serve a higher cause,
one appeals to those who wish to become gods and
one could honestly happen to nearly anyone. Only
one, though, lies within mortals’ direct control.
Recreate a Challenge at a
Wellspring
Calling the one means of finding a challenge
under mortal control ‘recreating a challenge at a
wellspring’ does not accurately describe the process.
Rather, it describes a complex process by which
mortals can re-enact a previous challenge at the time
their choosing. These re-enactments form the basis
of ritual magic within the campaign world, whether
they have an effect in the game beyond starting
characters on the path to immortality or not.
In order to ‘recreate’ a challenge the would-be
Immortal will have to engage in quite a bit of
research to discover the exact structure of the
challenge, the wellspring that will best resonate with
it and any tools he will need to meet the challenge’s
requirements.
Discovering the challenge’s structure is, perversely,
the easiest of the three requirements. This particular
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CHALLENGES
activity takes more time than difficult research. For
each week of research the character may make one
Knowledge (history) check (DC 25). If he succeeds
he learns about one of the challenge’s steps. Once
he knows about all of the appropriate steps he must
succeed at one last Knowledge (history) check to
learn the proper order in which to undertake them.
Working out which of the world’s myriad wellsprings
will best resonate with a particular challenge takes
considerably more effort. Anyone with access to
the right musty old tomes can work out a challenge.
Finding a place in the world capable of translating the
ritual into something more powerful, though, requires
the researcher to leave scholarship’s hallowed halls.
Out in the world of dust and mire he must seek out
the locations mentioned in the ancient legends he
used to piece together the challenge structure. One
of them, determined by the Games Master, will be
the appropriate wellspring. Recognising it requires
the researcher to cast a legend lore spell, make
a Knowledge (history) check (DC 30) or make a
bardic knowledge check (DC 20).
Once the character knows the structure and the place
he must array himself to take the challenge. When
he enters the wellspring he must make a Perform
(act) check (DC 25) as he moves through the steps
of the challenge. Others may assist him using the
aid another action. If he succeeds the powers of
the universe take notice, slowly building up around
the character as he moves forward. At some point
the re-enactment transforms from a play into
something far more deadly and real. The character
becomes engaged in a true challenge, wrestling
with the powers of the universe for his chance at
immortality.
Once the character activates the forces involved
with a challenge he must carry it through. If he
fails or backs down, the power will focus into his
body, annihilating him. If a mortal fails during a
re-enactment he vanishes in a flash of bright blue
light. If an Immortal fails he loses access to his Aura
and gifts for a number of months equal to his total
number of victories.
Stumble onto a Challenge
through Fate or Luck
Although neither gods nor mortals like to admit
it, luck has as much to do with who ascends to
Immortality as does planning and the will of the
gods. The world abides by specific rules; one does
CHALLENGES
not have to know what they are to follow them
properly. Indeed, more than one hero has become
an Immortal simply by being at the right place at the
right time.
Stumbling into a challenge generally requires one of
three things: blind luck, completing a fallen hero’s
challenge or finding a challenge that repeats itself.
Of the three, blind luck results in the most deaths,
though none present the hapless character with much
chance of success.
Mortals often mistake blind luck for courage and
steadfastness in the face of danger. In reality most
of those who stumble blindly into a challenge have
no business being involved with it; their survival is
a miracle in and of itself. These people just blunder
their way through the challenge, barely noticing the
passage from stage to stage.
Sometimes a mortal hero’s failure during a challenge
stage results in his sudden demise. In some cases
this allows the challenge antagonist to achieve
whatever goal he desired. In others, it simply leaves
the challenge open to whatever hero desires to take
it up. These challenges can become legends in the
game world, surrounded by rumours of all the heroes
who have tried and failed to resolve them.
Some rare challenges do not resolve when the hero
completes them. These challenges may be repeating
trials that reoccur every few years, games built into
the universe for many heroes to resolve or even
inherent in the construction of a specific wellspring.
Each mortal or Immortal can only essay a specific
recurring challenge once in his life; if he fails and
survives the challenge is barred to him for the
remainder of his lifetime.
Undertake a God’s Challenge
When a god wishes or is forced to place a challenge
before a mortal, he does so using a very specific set
of rules and limitations. These rules include, but are
not limited to: his chosen champion (or target) must
have an opportunity to learn of the challenge before
he becomes involved, the god must inform the other
deities of his decision to sponsor the challenge and
the difficulties presented must follow the established
format.
A god might sponsor a challenge for myriad complex
and varied reasons. Sometimes they simply wish to
see whether a specific mortal has enough grit to
survive, or to wile away the endless ages of their
192
own immortality until the next great happening.
However, most often a god sponsors a challenge
when he wishes to make a change in the world.
Gods, regardless of their power, suffer from the same
limits as other beings of power. They must obey the
laws established at the beginning of time. They
must play out their roles, regardless of their personal
feelings on the matter. Only mortals, who act with
free will and in defiance of the laws established long
ago, can change the world for good or ill. Therefore,
when a god wishes to make a change of whatever
sort he must find a mortal willing to sacrifice his
life, his future or his free will in order to initiate that
change.
The endless progression of sameness, rigidly
constrained by the bounds of creation, does nothing
to ease the boredom accompanying true immortality.
Many gods want a diversion almost as much as they
desire some kind, any kind, of change. In order to
create such a diversion they pervert the mechanisms
of heroic action built into the universe for their own
ends. They place complex problems in front of
mortals, watch the protagonists struggle and die, as
though it were little more than an elaborate game of
chess.
This game sometimes turns vicious when the gods
find a specific mortal particularly vexing. Perhaps
they are jealous of the mortal or he uses his freedom
to oppose the things the god holds dear. Whatever
the reason, in these cases the god takes momentary
joy in issuing challenges of such fiendish complexity
and lethality. Gods engaged in this sort of play
tend to ignore the unspoken rules about appropriate
challenges, instead placing whatever seems available
at the moment before the erstwhile heroes.
Once the god decides to sponsor a challenge he must
take suitable steps to ensure the mortals chosen to
undertake it know of their plight. The exact form
this notification comes in varies depending on the
god and his personal style. Some gods like to
unleash omen after omen until even the blind old
village women finally take notice. Others subtly
place complex prophesies into the world decades,
even centuries, before the mortals they wish to
challenge come to life in their mother’s wombs.
Whatever methods the god chooses the mortal
must have a reasonable chance to learn about the
challenge before it comes about. However, the
strictures require nothing beyond that. Mortals, as
beings with free will, can remain as ignorant of the
universe’s condition as they wish.

The sponsoring god may take few liberties when
it comes to the challenge structure itself. Each
challenge presents an ideal archetype the sponsor
cannot deviate from if he wishes to accomplish his
desired outcome. He must follow the challenge
format rigidly, even if the mortals involved manage
to somehow turn it against him.
Immortal Roles
Establishing a
Challenge
Immortals and gods find themselves involved with
challenges whether mortals take the challenge or
not. Sometimes this occurs because of their personal
desires and whims. More often, though, the being is
bound to act in a specific way by the cosmic forces
granting him power.
These ‘specific ways of acting’ cluster into a variety
of specific quest roles. An Immortal bound to
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CHALLENGES
act within these roles must obey the rules of the
challenge and the limits of his role, regardless of
his personal inclinations. If he violates either set
of strictures he defaults on the covenant with his
sponsoring power, potentially losing his place in the
Immortal hierarchy.
An Immortal usually gains his bond to a quest role
through a covenant with a specific god. In this case
the god issues the command to the Immortal for
him to assume his role. The god also monitors the
Immortal’s progress and behaviour to ensure it does
not deviate from the accepted norm.
The roles are: antagonist, advocate, assistant,
impediment, guide or resource.
Antagonist
An Immortal in the antagonist role is, himself, the
challenge’s target. More precisely, he becomes
responsible for establishing the conditions under
which the challenge takes place. He
must use all of the gifts, resources and
skills at his disposal to arrange for the
conflict, even if it puts him in personal
danger.
Oddly enough, the Immortal does
not have to know who will answer
his challenge. Once he establishes
the conditions under which the
challenge occurs, the world calls up
mortal heroes to defeat the Immortal’s
grand schemes. The Immortal must
maintain the challenge until someone
successfully overcomes it; this
can lead to the Immortal spending
centuries maintaining the challenge
before finally being free of his
obligation.
By the rules of the challenge the
Immortal cannot use his gifts or Aura
to overwhelm the challengers even
if they directly attack him. He must
present them with the difficulties
assigned by the challenge structure,
not with a raging Immortal out for their
blood. If the Immortal is considerably
more powerful than the challengers
the Immortal may even have to work
through relatively weak proxies in
order to ensure a fair contest.
CHALLENGES
Advocate
An Immortal in the advocate role acts on behalf of
the challengers in the Immortal and divine courts. He
works tirelessly to champion their cause, expending
his own influence and placing his reputation on the
line in order to ease opposition.
An advocate can assist the challengers in one of
the following ways: bringing resources to them,
removing impediments placed in their way by
other Immortals and providing council in the form
of dreams or visions. In a quest challenge he may
assist the challengers once per quest stage. In tests
or trials he can provide assistance once during the
entire challenge.
The advocate cannot simply overcome the challenge
stage for the challengers.
Assistant
An Immortal in the assistant role aids the challengers
through their task. Unlike an advocate, who acts
indirectly, the assistant may physically interact
with the challengers. They may use any resource
at their disposal to ease the challenger’s path, short
of resolving the challenge stage through their own
actions.
An Immortal assistant rarely appears to the
challengers in his true form. Most integrate
themselves into the challenger’s company as lowly
servants or simple, but insightful, townsfolk. In
some cases the assistant may introduce himself
to the challenger years, even decades, before the
challenger rises to meet the challenge.
The most common way for an Immortal to help his
challengers is with the aid another action. If the
challengers find themselves overwhelmed by a force
outside of the challenge (i.e. a random encounter
with an orc warband or a sudden flood) the Immortal
may use his powers to protect them. However, once
he reveals himself he must withdraw from this role
and is considered in violation of his covenant.
Impediment
An Immortal taking the role of impediment makes life
difficult for the challengers. He may also support the
challenge antagonist. Once the impediment begins
his work an advocate can persuade him (through
the use of the Diplomacy skill or by offering him
something he needs) to withdraw his opposition.
194
Unlike the antagonist, the impediment cannot
directly oppose the challengers for any reason.
Instead he may either provide assistance to the
antagonist in an indirect fashion or he may alter the
world using his full powers so that the challengers
have a more difficult time.
For example, an Immortal with power over the
spirits of wind and water could not just send them
to kill the challengers. However, he could channel
elemental power into a monstrous storm then
unleash that storm on the challengers as part of their
quest’s challenges.
Guide
An Immortal in the role of guide provides the
challengers with information and directions intended
to help them understand the challenge placed before
them. Depending on the Immortal’s attitude towards
the challengers this information may be cryptic,
obscure or quite plainly spoken.
Even a guide with the best intentions finds his words
bound by the so-called ‘law of riddles’. The guide
must always coach his advice or suggestions in code,
though the difficulty of this code depends entirely on
his desires. Once the mortal receives this advice he
must make an Intelligence check with a DC set by
the Immortal’s attitude:
Attitude Int DC
Hostile 26
Unfriendly 23
Indifferent 20
Friendly 17
Helpful 14
Oddly enough the Immortal’s own intellectual and
verbal skills do not affect the DC. While offering
this advice the Immortal acts as a representative of
the processes that maintain the world. Any abilities
he lacks or choices he might make beyond his
personal attitude are negated by the necessity he
serves.
The guide may only speak to the challengers once
during each challenge stage. After delivering his
information he must wait for the mortals to complete
the next stage before interacting with them again.

Resource
An Immortal in the resource role cannot interact
with the challengers until they complete a specific
stage in their quest. The deity or granting power
responsible for the Immortal’s involvement specifies
the stage when it calls the Immortal to service.
When the challengers complete the challenge stage
the Immortal appears before them bearing gifts and
words of good cheer. These gifts must meet the
challenger’s immediate needs; handing a starving
man a bag full of golden coins does not discharge
the Immortal’s duties.
The gifts may take any form: advice, equipment,
magical items, mundane treasures, spiritual guides
or nearly anything else the Immortal can imagine.
These gifts must remain with the challenger through
the remaining stages of the challenge. If the
challenger expends the gift (i.e. drinks a potion or
uses a scroll) thereby not keeping the gift until the
challenge finale, the Immortal’s obligation is still
fulfilled.
Roles Within a
Challenge
Generically, Immortals and gods refer to everyone
participating in a challenge’s steps, as opposed to
those providing assistance, as challengers. However,
this terminology obscures an important difference
between the individual taking the challenge and
those who participate in the challenge with him.
In order to remove this obstruction the system
outlined below places characters into one of two
roles: challenger and participant. The two roles
interact with the challenge structure differently and
receive different rewards for that participation.
The challenger is the primary actor in the challenge.
He must make the final check for the majority (½
rounded down +1) of the challenge steps. He does
not gain experience for any action taken during
the challenge, regardless of whether or not he
successfully completes it. However, if he succeeds
in the challenge he receives one victory associated
with one of the great power sources. This victory
comes with a gift and adds to the Immortal’s overall
Aura.
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CHALLENGES
All other characters involved with the challenge act
as participants. The participants, as a group, cannot
directly address more than a minority (½ rounded
up –1) of the final checks without causing the
challenger to fail the challenge. They may, however,
assist him in any other way he requires. Participants
gain experience points for all actions taken during a
challenge and may advance mortal levels as a result
of their activities. Unlike challengers, participants
do not receive a victory or a gift for successfully
completing a challenge. The challenger may – and
probably should if he wants to keep his friends – find
another way to reward the participants as well.
The Challenges
Immortals Face
The challenge structures listed below present the
most common challenges Immortals face in the
adventure fantasy games common to the epic rules.
These challenges represent only a small fraction
of the challenges characters face in other kinds of
games but the Games Master can use them as models
for those other challenges.
Setting the Stage
Although the challenges presented consist primarily
of mechanics the actual challenge experience itself
takes place not in a generic setting but at a specific,
epic time and place. In order to meet the terms of the
challenge the characters do not just roll dice. Instead
they step into the primal stage, pitting their strength
against creatures and powers born at the dawn of
time. If a situation ever called for melodrama,
playing out a challenge is it.
When setting the stage for challenges pull out all
of the stops. Look at the wellsprings presented in
the Wellsprings chapter for inspiration on settings.
Look at the descriptions given below for ideas
on how to wrap a narrative structure around the
challenge events. Read myths and legends from any
culture to find cool and interesting ways to frame the
challenge’s events so that it amounts to more than
just ‘walk here, do this and this, get a victory, rinse,
repeat’.
Challenge Descriptions
The challenge descriptions below use the following
format:
CHALLENGES

Name (Alternates): The challenge name. Alternate
names for the challenge structure appear between the
parentheses.
Challenge Structure: Information about the stages
and the required checks to successfully pass each
one.
hands. He may rely on the help of others to secure
the necessary components or provide him with a safe
workspace, but the actual work involved with the
creation must come from his sweat and blood. The
object the challenger creates may be used in a wide
variety of ways, ranging from a judgement by the
gods to becoming the character’s personal artefact.

Structural Variations: How the structure varies Challenge Structure

depending on the Games Master’s needs and the Challenges of creation always involve the following
challenge type. stages:

Challenge Information Table: A table containing
the DCs for the checks and other variable information
based on the challenger’s total number of victories.
Example Challenge: An example of how to use the
challenge structure in a campaign. The example’s
described apotheosis level is a suggestion used to
provide information for it, not an absolute statement
of the appropriate level to run the challenge.
List of Challenges
The eighteen challenges are listed in the following
table :
Identification of Object and Place (Stage One):
In the first stage the Immortal must successfully
identify what he must create, its components and
where the universe demands his actions take place.
The challenger or the participants must make the
following skill checks:
† Knowledge (arcana) check to deduce what he
must create.
† Knowledge (arcana) check to determine what
components he will need.
† Knowledge (geography) or Knowledge (religion)
check to determine which wellspring he must use
as the creation place.

If the challenger or the participants fail one of

Challenge of Creation (The the above skill checks they may spend a week
in research and retry. A bard who fails one skill
Crafter’s Challenge) check may make a second check immediately by
When a challenger steps up to answer a challenge of
substituting his bardic knowledge class ability for
creation he agrees to make an object with his own
the failed check.
Challenge of: The challenger must:
Creation Create something, be it an artefact or a stone
Conversion Convert an opposite
Destruction Destroy a specific object
Endurance Endure, and through enduring grow strong
Faith Cling to ones beliefs through a harrowing experience
Free Will Violate his determined alignment (outsiders only)
Grace Prove ones control, grace and speed
The Hunt Search out and destroy a specific target
Insight Overcome an obstacle of thought, often a riddle game
Leadership Guide people through a troubling time
Life Save or create life
Judgement Decide between right and wrong in a difficult case
Power Demonstrate ones magical power in some remarkable manner
Steel Demonstrate ones martial prowess by defeating an enemy
Strength Demonstrate ones physical power through some Herculean task or test
The Mirror Overcome aspects of ones personality
Will Sacrifice oneself to overcome all obstacles
Wit Outwit or trick a target

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If the challenger personally succeeds on one or more
of the skill checks he gains a +1 bonus to all skill
checks required in later stages.
Once the challenger gains all three pieces of
information he must make an Intelligence check
to integrate them into a roadmap for the coming
challenge. If he fails he does not get credit for this
step and one of the participants may attempt to assist
him.
An Immortal in the role of a guide may provide the
challenger with one of the three required pieces of
information. The antagonist may attempt to hide
this information using whatever means are at his
disposal.
Gathering Components (Stage Two): Each
challenge of creation requires between one and
five exotic components in addition to any mundane
components needed to create the item. Identifying
the location of each of these items and then retrieving
them allows the challenger to complete this step.
In order to identify the location of a component
the challenger must make a Knowledge (nature)
check. He must then go retrieve it, facing whatever
obstacles stand between him and his objective. An
Immortal in the resource role may provide a second
component in addition to the one the challenger
sought when the challenger successfully overcomes
these obstacles. An Immortal in the antagonist or
impediment role may increase the difficulty level of
the obstacles standing in the challenger’s way.
When the challenger gathers all of the components
he must make a Craft check to work out how to
integrate them into the finished product. If he fails
this check he may not try again, although other
participants may step in to fill the gap.
For each required component gathered the challenger
receives one free re-roll on a failed Craft check
during The Forging.
Preparation of the Place (Stage Three): Once the
challenger overcomes the first two stages he must
journey to the appropriate wellspring and prepare
it for the coming challenge. Before he can begin
preparations he needs to overcome or enlist whatever
defenders protect the wellspring. Once he does so,
he can engage in the rituals he discovered in the first
step.
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CHALLENGES
Preparing the site requires a Spellcraft check. If the
challenger fails a participant may step in to fulfil this
step.
An Immortal in the advocate role may intercede with
the wellspring’s guardians. One in the antagonist or
impediment role may strengthen/place additional
guardians or hide the wellspring. If one Immortal
hides the wellspring an advocate or guide might
assist the challenger’s efforts to locate it.
The Forging (Stage Four): Once the challenger
overcomes the three previous stages he moves into
the crafting proper. Unlike mortal crafting, which
can take months or even years, the challenge of
creation forging process takes between five or nine
days.
Each day the challenger must make a Craft check,
using the craft skill appropriate to the item created.
Participants may not make this skill check for the
challenger although they may use the aid another
action to assist his progress. The challenger must
make a majority of these skill checks in order to pass
this stage.
If the challenger passes this stage without assistance
he receives a +4 bonus to the skill checks called for
by the Judgement stage.
Judgement (Stage Five): If the challenger completes
all of the previous stages he holds the created object
in his hands and submits it for use. He must then
make a skill check, depending on the item’s intended
purpose, in order for it to be accepted.
† For presentation to a god or power as a gift: Bluff
or Diplomacy.
† For personal use as an artefact: Will save.
† For use as part of an Immortal ritual: Spellcraft.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations:
In a quest each part of the trial requires a long,
hazardous journey in addition to the normal
obstacles. Double the total CR of the dangers
guarding each component.
In a test the Gathering Components stage is
protected by traps and riddles rather than creatures.
The components themselves are close at hand but
CHALLENGES

Challenge of Creation Information Table

Apotheosis Skill Check Number of CR Per Component/Max Forging Will Save for
Level DC Components CR of encounter Days Personal Artefact
Mortal 38 1 50/20 5 24
Aspirant 42 2 100/25 5 27
Wielder 46 3 150/30 7 30
Illuminated 50 4 200/35 7 33
Immortal 54 5 250/40 9 36
the challenger or a participant must overcome the
protections in order to access them.
Challenge of Conversion
When a challenger steps up to answer the challenge
of conversion he agrees make every effort to convert
In a trial, the Gathering Components stage represents a creature from one alignment to another. A simple
a number of separate craft activities. The Games challenge of this sort deals with creatures who have
Master selects between one and five Craft skills no racial alignment or are usually of one particular
(as appropriate) and requires the challenger or the alignment. More complex challenges involve
participants to make the skills at the appropriate converting pure spirits who have ‘always’ in their
DC. alignment description. The total number of stages
required by the challenge depends on how powerful
Creation of the Star Sword the Immortal is and how many alignment steps the
Type: Quest Immortal must bring his target.
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Forging Days: 5 An Immortal antagonist rarely participates directly
Judgement Skill Check: Spellcraft in a conversion challenge. Instead, he must send a
Max CR of Encounters for Gathering trusted minion to face the target.
Components Stage: 25
Number of Components: 2 (the heart of a fallen Challenge Structure
star, pure water from the heart of the highest A challenge of conversion always involves the
mountain) following stages:
Required Craft Skill: Weaponsmithing
Stage DC: 42 The Initial Encounter (Stage One): When a
Total CR of Encounters for each component challenger accepts a challenge of conversion the
Gathering Components Stage: 200 world presents him with his target within 2d4 weeks.
Wellspring: Hall of Stars (positive energy The challenger may or may not recognise the target;
wellspring) the target might or might not recognise the character.
In some cases, especially when a god sets this
An Immortal Aspirant seeking further communion challenge, the challenger may not even be aware that
with the power of the stars must undertake the he is engaged in a challenge with the target.
creation of a star sword, a weapon forged in the light
of the sun, the moon and the stars simultaneously. However, the challenger will, if he makes a
In order to accomplish this task he must gain access successful Sense Motive check, realise something
to the Hall of Stars, where all three lights mingle as ‘draws’ him into the target’s presence. A similar
one. Sense Motive check on the target’s part will reveal
to him his connection with the character although it
Once within the Hall of Stars the challenger must does not explain it.
forge a blade from the heart of a fallen star, then
quench the white hot metal in pure water from the The challenger may attempt this skill check three
heart of one of the four highest mountains in the times before the bond breaks and the challenge ends.
world. Once forged, he must then present it to the The first time he must make the skill check alone.
stars for inclusion in the celestial armoury. Other The other two times participants in the challenge
Immortals, further along the path to immortality, may assist him or make the skill check for him.
draw these blades to inscribe the mystic symbols
required by the monthly rite of the spheres.

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If the challenger and/or the target succeed in
the Sense Motive check without assistance the
successful party receives a +1 bonus to all skill
checks taken in the next challenge stage.
An Immortal assistant or guide can bring the
challenger and the target together. Conversely
an Immortal in the role of impediment can work
to keep the two apart. An Immortal acting as an
advocate could intercede with the impediment to
lift his opposition.
Opening the Channel (Stage Two): Once the two
parties recognise one another they must establish a
deep rapport. This rapport allows them to explore
one another’s souls, a process by which one party
or the other may come to understand the error of his
ways.
In order to establish rapport the challenger and his
participants must move the target from its current
attitude to friendly using whatever means seem
prudent other than magical persuasion. This can
include giving gifts, using the Diplomacy skill or
other non-mechanical methods like romancing the
target.
Once the target gains a friendly attitude the challenger
and the target both make a Bluff or Diplomacy
check. The combined result of both skill checks
must equal or exceed 15 times the total number of
alignment steps separating them. Participants may
assist on both sides by using the aid another action
or through less mechanical means such as acting as
intermediaries or even making the skill check for the
challenger/target.
Example: A lawful good paladin takes a challenge
of conversion. His target is a chaotic evil succubus.
The succubus is four alignment steps removed from
him (lawful to chaotic, good to evil). Their total
Bluff or Diplomacy checks must equal or exceed 60.
If the challenger and target succeed at this stage the
challenger does not have to break the target’s always
alignment modifier as part of a Move One Step
Closer stage.
Move One Step Closer (Stage Three): Once the
challenger identifies his target and opens the channel
between the two the real work of the challenge
begins. Each week the two spend in one another’s
company the challenger and the target must make
CHALLENGES
Challenge of Conversion Information Table
Apotheosis Skill Alignment Steps Quest
Level Check DC Removed Total CR
Mortal 38 2 to 4 25
Aspirant 42 2 to 4 50
Wielder 46 3 to 4 75
Illuminated 50 3 to 4 100
Immortal 54 4 125
contested Wisdom checks. If the challenger
overcomes the target’s check he moves the target one
step closer to his own alignment. If the target beats
the challenger’s check he records the success. After
three target successes the challenge ends.
The Games Master determines which of the target’s
alignment axis (law to chaos, good to evil) moves for
each success. The challenger wins the contest if he
moves the target’s alignment to the target alignment
specified in the initial challenge declaration.
If the target has the always modifier in their
alignment entry the first challenger success goes
to negate it. The final alignment ‘step’ for a target
with the always modifier must always take place at
a wellspring.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations. Also, stage three may be considerably
more dangerous than the one described above.
During a quest the challenger and the target must
move from one place to another while simultaneously
overcoming one difficulty per movement. The
characters must move once per attempt at stage three
until reaching the goal or failing.
During a test the challenger and the target must make
a third stage attempt every day rather than every
week. They cannot sleep or rest for the duration
of the test. This activity uses the normal rules for
exhaustion.
During a trial the challenger must face a variety of
targets. He does not get the bonus for the first two
stages even if he succeeds at them.
A variation on the third stage involves the challenger
and the target affecting one another’s alignment
equally. This places a high level of risk on each
of the stage three Wisdom checks; a single failure
could result in a character with strict alignment
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CHALLENGES

requirements losing his mortal classes or even
covenants. When the Games Master invokes this
variation he should give the challenger a Will save
(DC equal to the target’s Wisdom check result) to
resist the alignment change.
powers. In doing so the challenger places himself
in harm’s way. Not only do such things usually have
their own defences, but also the power in question
will not sit idly by while its favourite thing falls into
the fire.

Conversion of Ice to Flame Artefacts are the most common targets for these
Type: Test challenges. However, the challenge may target a
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant nation, a people, a place or even a single creature.
Skill Check DC: 42 Challenges to destroy a single creature can be more
Target Alignment: Lawful to Chaotic (two steps) easily handled using the rules either for a challenge
Wellspring: None of the hunt or a challenge of steel.

Immortals who serve the lords of chaos often find
the Conversion of Ice to Flame laid before them. If
they accept it they must seek out a lawful character
to convert to the ways of chaos. The Immortal must
actively search for the challenge but his gods will
often hide the target from him for 2d4 weeks.
An Immortal antagonist in a challenge of destruction
created, defends or possesses the challenger’s target.
An advocate or guide knows where the object is held,
while impediments work to prevent the challenger
from discovering the information he needs or lock
away the tools required.

The target is always lawful. For the other half of In the challenge of destruction the challenger and
the target’s alignment the challenger rolls 1d4. On participants may essay stages two and three either in
a result of one or two the other half of the target’s order or out of sequence. However, if the challenger
alignment matches the Immortal’s. On a three the attempts stage three without first securing the target
target is neutral and on a four the target is of in stage two the antagonist may increase the
opposite alignment. difficulty of the defences surrounding
the target without violating the rules of
Once the Immortal engagement.
meets his target
his gods check Challenge Structure
on his progress A challenge of
daily. If he destruction always
fails to report involves the
some kind of following stages:
progress their
punishment Assignment of
will stop short the Target (Stage
of preventing One): When the
him from taking challenger accepts
back up his the challenge
responsibilities. Just. of destruction he
receives a formal
commission from
Challenge of Destruction a patron Immortal,
When a challenger steps forward to
granting power or
meet the challenge of destruction he
other entity. This
accepts responsibility for
commission may take
destroying something
the form of a command, a
held dear by one of
request or even a proposition.
the world’s great
Whatever the case, the

200

challenger or one of the other participants must
accept the commission. If he follows the proper
formats and rituals for such acceptance by making
a Knowledge (religion) check (or Knowledge
(nobility and royalty) for mundane patrons) the
challenger receives a +1 bonus to all skill checks for
the remainder of the challenge.
During the formal declaration the challenger receives
detailed information about the challenge target. This
information usually, but does not always, include
where to find the target and what might guard it.
Acquire the Target (Stage Two): The challenger
and the participants must work their way through
whatever obstacles the world presents in order to
acquire the target. The obstacles present will total
to at least the CR given in the table below for the
challenger’s apotheosis step.
The challenger does not have to destroy the
obstacles, but he does have to neutralise them in
some way. A strong warrior may hack his way
through the obstacles while a cunning rogue will try
to sneak past them. So long as the challenger (or a
participant) overcomes the obstacles and emerges
with the object he succeeds.
Customarily the antagonist or impediment will group
the obstacles into steps, allowing the challenger a
brief respite between confrontations. However, this
custom does not carry the force of law. Nothing
stops the antagonist from, for example, placing all
of the obstacles in the tower containing the mystic
dingus the challenger seeks.
If the challenger must destroy an artefact or other
intelligent magical item the item may use any means
at its disposal to prevent the challenger’s actions.
Most such items use their ego to dominate the target
while simultaneously exerting whatever abilities
they possess to call for aid.
Challenge of Destruction Information
Stage Two/Three: CR/
Apotheosis Skill Recommended CR per
Level Check DC Situation
Mortal 38 120/40
Aspirant 42 150/50
Wielder 46 200/60
Illuminated 50 250/70
Immortal 54 300/80
CHALLENGES
Seeking the Tools (Stage Three): Once the
challenger and other participants secure the target
they need to acquire the tools needed to destroy
it. Each tool is guarded by obstacles similar to
those presented by stage two. The challenger must
overcome the obstacles using whatever means are at
his disposal.
Immortals in the impediment role create tools
specifically for the challenge. Each tool symbolically
represents a specific aspect of the antagonist’s power
or personality. The tools themselves do not usually
possess any magical or artefact qualities. Instead,
they derive whatever powers they seem to have from
the challenge itself. Once the challenge is complete
the tool becomes a normal item, unless an assistant
or advocate enchants it to present as a reward to the
participants.
The challenger and participants must acquire the
majority of the tools to complete this stage.
Each tool gives the challenger a free re-roll during
stage four.
The Moment of Destruction (Stage Four): When
the Immortal enters the chosen wellspring he must
make a Craft check to completely destroy the object.
If he fails he may use each tool he acquired in
succession to make additional re-rolls. Furthermore,
the participants may assist him or even overcome the
challenge themselves if the challenger has already
completed a majority of the previous stages himself.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations. Challenges to destroy a people, place or
single creature involve some slight variations from
the structures described above.
During a quest the place of assignment, target, tools
and wellspring lie in places far separated from one
another. Each journey will involve at least one
hostile environmental effect such as a
flood, landslide or wildfire.
Tools During a test the challenger and
Required participants must address all of the
0 normal stages, but must do so at speed.
1 They have 24 hours to destroy the target.
2 This kind of challenge usually requires
3 the challengers to split into small groups,
or even to face their foes alone.
3
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CHALLENGES
During a trial the challenger and participants must
first take both the target and the tools to a succession
of wellsprings. At each wellspring the challenger
must perform a specific ritual by making a Spellcraft
check. Failure removes the tool’s effectiveness
during stage four.
When a challenge of destruction focuses on a place
or a single creature the antagonist traditionally
gathers all of his defences around the target. The
challenger must first visit the chosen wellspring
with the gathered tools and there perform a ritual by
making a Spellcraft check. He can then proceed to
the target, remove the defences and make the Craft
check to destroy it.
A challenge of destruction targeting a people rarely
involves killing every member of the target group.
Instead the challenger must destroy an important
symbol associated with the target like their ruler or
their most sacred temple. When this symbol dies the
people begin to scatter, eventually resulting in their
‘destruction’ as a cohesive entity.
Destruction of the Sun’s Great Shield
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Skill Check DC: 42
Stage Two/Three CR: 150
Recommended CR per Encounter: 50
Tools Required: 1
Wellspring: The Well of Bile (hatred)
Immortals who serve the lord of destruction will, in
time, find themselves sworn to destroy an artefact of
an Immortal sworn to the sun. Although traditionally
called the ‘Destruction of the Sun’s Great Shield’
the artefact could take the form of anything from a
golden bauble to a shining sword.
In order to complete the challenge the challenger
must gather a bit of the well’s waters then take that
water to the Shadowed Vale of Ancient Sorrow.
There the spirits will turn the water into an icy cage
the Immortal can use to keep the artefact within the
well during its destruction. If the challenger cannot
secure the cage he can still just throw the thing in but
his odds of success become dramatically lower.
Challenge of Endurance
When a challenger takes up a challenge of endurance
he pits his physical and mental grit against the gods
themselves. He places himself in their hands, agrees
202
to suffer whatever punishments they can dream
up and must somehow endure in order to become
strong. These torments may consist of physical,
emotional or psychological abuse but will always
strike at the challenger’s personal weaknesses.
An Immortal antagonist takes the challenger into
his power. The antagonist will usually have an
alignment opposite the character’s, but not always.
History and mythology are replete with examples
of individuals suffering greatly at the hands of their
erstwhile allies.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of endurance progresses through the
following stages:
The Surrender (Stage One): The first thing the
challenger must endure is the loss of his dignity.
Once the antagonist has the challenger in his power
he will offer the challenger a choice. He may walk
away from the experience about to befall him
if he allows it to fall on innocent heads, often a
small child or some of the challenger’s friends and
family. The antagonist will present the challenger
with one innocent or uninvolved party per day of
the challenge; each person the challenger sacrifices
shaves a day off what he must endure.
For evil challengers, these ‘innocents’ come from
the pool of people pivotal to his personal power and
plans. Each person he loses must dramatically set
him back in terms of his overall goals.
Each person the challenger ‘saves’ by accepting their
fate grants him a free re-roll on a failed saving throw
or Concentration check.
Day of Pain, Night of Doubt (Stage Two): After
finishing the negotiation the challenger must undergo
the agreed-upon days and nights of pain. During this
time the antagonist may inflict physical, emotional
and psychological torments on the challenger as he
sees fit. The participants and Immortal advocates/
assistants may help the character by providing moral
support and physical comfort between sessions.
Each session involves each of the following:
1. A physical torment requiring a Fortitude
saving throw. If the challenger fails he takes
1d4 damage to his Strength, Dexterity or
Constitution. The Games Master chooses
the damaged attribute in a random manner.
 CHALLENGES

2. A mental torment (usually involving a

false choice of some kind) requiring a
Will saving throw. If the challenger fails
he takes 1d4 damage to his Intelligence,
Wisdom or Charisma. The Games Master
chooses the damaged attribute in a random
manner.
3. A personal emotional torment
dredged up form the depths
of the challenger’s soul.
The challenger must make a
Concentration check. If he fails he
suffers one point of attribute damage
to all attributes as his soul writhes in
agony far worse than anything inflicted on
his body.

In order to successfully complete the day the

challenger must succeed at two of the three
checks.

When the challenger succeeds or fails on the

majority of the days he passes on to the final stage.
The torment continues regardless of his success or
failure; the antagonist does not have to release the
challenger until after the appointed time.
Structural Variations
The Long Dark Night Before the Dawn (Stage Quests, tests and trials may require the
Three): Once the challenger passes through the first following variations.
two stages he finds himself face to face with the long
dark night of the soul. He must face his own inner During a quest the challenger must travel, under
demons, personified by the voices of the antagonist his own mortal power, from one site of testing to
and the other participants, as they berate him for his another. At each site the challenger must endure
failure to live up to his own dreams. These voices at least one day of stage two punishment before
point out every failure, every mistake and every lost moving on to the next site. Ordinarily the challenger
opportunity along the challenger’s life path. cannot use magical healing between sites to remove
attribute damage: however, advocates and resources
The voices continue until the challenger makes three occasionally break this rule.
consecutive Concentration checks. If the challenger
ever fails three of these checks in a row he fails During a test the challenger receives no chance to
this stage. Each failure inflicts a –1 penalty on the rest between sessions. After the second session he
challenger’s Will save. When his Will save reaches becomes exhausted and begins to take nonlethal
zero he dies due to despair. If he succeeds the Will damage as described in Core Rulebook II.
penalty vanishes after the challenge completes.
During a trial the DC of
Challenge of Endurance Information Table the checks increases by
Apotheosis Skill Minimum Maximum Fortitude and +1 per day.
Level Check DC Number of Days Number of Days Will Saves
Mortal 38 1 5 24 Seven Sleepless
Aspirant 42 2 7 27 Nights
Wielder 46 3 7 30 Type: Test
Illuminated 50 4 7 33 Described Apotheosis
Immortal 54 5 9 36 Level: Aspirant

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CHALLENGES
A challenger who must undertake the seven sleepless
nights agrees to allow his lord to hang him from a
tree without food, sleep or water for the traditional
week. As each day passes the challenger falls further
and further into the delirium brought on by exposure,
fatigue and pain. Each day his lord may offer him
the opportunity to stand down; if he accepts he
automatically fails the challenge.
This challenge rarely involves outside tormentors
other than the elements. However, particularly
sadistic impediments may send various creatures
to peck on or eat from the challenger as he hangs
helpless in the wind. His friends, advocates and
assistants may freely intercede to prevent these
creatures from accomplishing their chosen mission.
Challenge of Faith
When a challenger takes up the challenge of faith
he places his own convictions on the line. He
must hold true to his convictions even in the face
of overwhelming opposition and temptation. Each
time he succeeds his faith feeds his soul’s strength.
Each time he fails he must face even more strenuous
demons of the mind until he finally falls into despair
and then the quiet peace of eternal death.
An Immortal antagonist participating in this
challenge takes on the role of the tempter. He works
with the challenger to clearly articulate the failings
of his beliefs. Conversely, advocates, assistants
and guides all strive to provide the challenger with
examples of how and why his faith can sustain him.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of faith involves the following stages:
Entering the Valley (Stage One): The saying goes
that a man of unchallenged faith can never really
know what he believes. The challenge of faith seems
to prove this; it is the only challenge starting when
the challenger fails to resist temptation.
When the challenger accepts the
challenge of faith he accepts that the Challenge of Faith Information
antagonist will begin by presenting Apotheosis
him with temptations tailored to satisfy Level
his deepest desires at the expense of
Mortal
his ideals. Each temptation forces the
Aspirant
challenger to make a Will save; he can
only progress to the second stage after Wielder
Illuminated
Immortal
204
failing. If he succeeds at a number of Will saves
equal to his apotheosis step +3 he automatically fails
the challenge.
Each time the challenger succeeds he gains one free
re-roll of a failed check during the second stage. If
the challenger makes a number of will saves equal
to his apotheosis step he may count this stage as a
success.
Debating with Shadows (Stage Two): Once the
challenger fails to resist a temptation the antagonist
immediately centres in on it as a point of weakness.
He attempts to convince the challenger to do the
thing he finds tempting, whether it be taking over the
world or finally having a physical romance with the
woman of his dreams.
The challenger and the antagonist engage in a set
of contested skill checks. The antagonist may use
Bluff, Diplomacy or Intimidate to make his points.
The challenger may use Concentration, Knowledge
(religion) or Sense Motive to resist the antagonist’s
advances. The first represents meeting the antagonist
with stoic silence, the second with carefully reasoned
theology and the last with deep understanding of the
antagonist’s own motives.
The two must make a number of opposed skill
checks based on the challenger’s apotheosis step.
If the challenger wins the majority and has already
succeeded at the first stage the challenge ends.
Otherwise, the challenger and antagonist enter this
stage.
Dark Before the Dawn (Stage Three): At this
time the challenger and antagonist enter into a
battle of wills, with the challenger struggling to
remain pure while the antagonist tempts him to a
new path. The challenger must make a number of
opposed Concentration checks equal to the number
of failures he accrued during the second stage +1. If
he wins the majority of these checks he overcomes
Will Stage One: Maximum Stage Two:
Save Allowed Successes Opposed Checks
24 3 3
27 4 3
30 5 5
33 6 5
36 7 7
 CHALLENGES

the final stage. Each one he fails randomly deals 1d4 his own life and power to prevent the Immortal from
points of ability drain to his Intelligence, Wisdom or Transcending.
Charisma.
Ironically, overcoming this test usually grants the
Structural Variations Immortal his last victory needed to Transcend.
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations. Challenge of Free Will
When an outsider takes up the challenge of free will
During a quest the challenger undertakes a journey he places his own existence on the line. Throughout
through various historical places and legendary the challenge he must repudiate his essential nature,
locations. At each of these stations he encounters the seizing for himself the right of choice usually
antagonist, who offers him a temptation in order to reserved for mortals. Once
sway him from the appointed path. he performs enough
minor deviations he
During a test the challenger faces a final choice
must overcome the between what he is
antagonist in a short now and what he
period of time. Unlike might become. If he
a standard challenge chooses the former
of faith, which can he must pay for his
take as long as a year, deviations, while
a test takes place in a the latter places him
single night. These tests firmly on the path to
usually occur after some mortality and perhaps
great but unavoidable beyond to immortality
tragedy, often right as well.
before the challenger
must undergo another If a challenge of free
painful challenge of will has an Immortal
some sort. antagonist he acts as the
voice of the challenger’s
Trials of faith are essential nature.
unsuitable for normal Conversely, advocates
challenges. However a and assistants may berate
sequential trial of faith, or torment the challenger
in which the challenger while driving him to
faces his both inner recognise his ability to
and outer antagonists, change. Impediments
makes an excellent work to draw the
Great Challenge. challenger back into his
old lifestyle, while guides and resources offer him
Temptation to new opportunities to explore alternate ways of life.
Freedom
Type: Test Challenge Structure
Described Apotheosis Level: Immortal A challenge of free will always involves the
following stages:
This test typically occurs just before the Immortal’s
final Great Challenge. The Immortal’s greatest The Dawn’s Siren Call (Stage One): The challenge
enemy is sent to speak with him. The antagonist of free will always begins when the challenger,
offers him the pleasures of the world, the wonders of who may or may not realise he is about to enter the
magic and the right of dominion in order to dissuade challenge, first encounters a mortal creature of great
the Immortal from proceeding on his chosen path. purity. This purity may align the mortal with any of
In extremes situations the antagonist may even offer the four mythic powers; the point is the mortal, using

205
CHALLENGES
his gift of freedom, chooses to live a particular way
rather than being forced into it.
This encounter profoundly changes the outsider’s
perception of reality. At the moment of meeting
he must make a Will save (DC 25). If he succeeds
he shakes off the conditioning programming his
behaviour. For the first time he understands that
choice, in and of itself, requires an act of will as
powerful as any miracle the gods can manage. If he
fails then he must wait until his next encounter with
a creature of great purity.
Advocates, assistants and participants can help the
outsider to see the path’s choice open before him.
Steps Down the Road of the Heart (Stage Two):
Once the outsider passes stage one he must begin
to explore the possibilities open to him. Guided by
his imagination and his ‘friends’ he must imagine
and undertake actions progressively less and less
in keeping with his former self. These actions
may come back to haunt him later, as they may
not necessarily correspond with his final alignment
choice.
The number of actions he must take depends on the
outsider’s initial alignment. Each action requires the
outsider to make an additional Will save to overcome
his intrinsic conditioning. The DC of this Will save
starts at 20. Each step of the action’s alignment (i.e.
from lawful to neutral to chaotic) from the outsider’s
initial alignment increases the Will save by +2. This
counts on both the law-chaos and good-evil axis,
creating a maximum bonus of +8 (i.e. a chaotic evil
outsider performing a lawful good act).
For this purpose outsiders fall into the following
categories: committed, polarised and pure. These
categories include outsiders of the following types:
Committed outsiders possess no non-neutral aspects
to their alignment. These outsiders must take three
actions, at least one of which must align with two
mythic forces.
Polarised outsiders possess two non-neutral
alignments. They must take five actions, each
successively further away from their initial
alignment. At least one of these actions must be of
opposite alignment.
206
Pure outsiders possess one neutral and one aligned
aspect in their alignments. These creatures represent
‘pure’ animated mythic force. They must take four
actions, each successively further away from their
initial alignment.
In order to pass this stage the outsider must succeed
at the majority of his Will saves. If he succeeds
at both stage one and this stage he successfully
completes the challenge. Otherwise, he moves on
to stage three.
Awaken to a New Life (Stage Three): If the
challenger successfully hears the siren call of
freedom but cannot bring himself to abandon his
old way of life he may still spontaneously awaken
to the wonders posed by making his own choices.
This third stage involves a single skill check:
the outsider’s Knowledge (religion) against the
antagonist’s Diplomacy. If the outsider succeeds he
remains an outsider, forever committed to his way of
life. If, however, the antagonist overcomes him he
may make a final Will save (DC 25) to shake free of
his constraints.
Structural Variations
The challenge of free will is always a test, never a
trial or a quest.
Challenge of Free Will Information Table
The challenge of free will always occurs before the
outsider begins to walk the path to immortality. As
such, it does not have variable information in the
standard challenge sense.
The Fall
Type: Test
Described Apotheosis Level: N/A
Wellspring: None
The Fall occurs when a good outsider encounters
mortals who choose, of their own free will, to follow
mythic good or evil. They see the power a mortal
wields by simply choosing, rather than being forced
to choose, a truth in fitting with what he really
believes. This forces the outsider to, in turn, face
whether he truly believes in good or simply follows
its dictates because he has no other choice like any
other good slave.

Challenge of Grace (The Great
Race, Marathon)
When the challenger takes up the challenge of grace
he faces a physical challenge demanding the utmost
from his agility, grace and speed. At each stage of
the test he must overcome not only his target but also
his personal bests. If he fails to overcome himself
but nevertheless overcomes his goal he might still
succeed but must always live with the shame of not
being able to live up to his own accomplishments.
An Immortal antagonist can both establish the
obstacles and environment for the challenge and
compete directly with the challenger. An advocate
lowers obstacles placed in the challenger’s path by
the impediment; said Immortal must work diligently
to prevent the challenger from reaching one of the
challenge stages. Guides assist the challenger by
making sure he knows what difficulty he will face
next, while aids provide alternately gentle and harsh
coaching as the situation demands.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of grace involves the following three
stages:
Set the Course (Stage One): When the challenger
first takes up a challenge of grace he has the
opportunity to negotiate the course obstacles with
the antagonist. This negotiation can take one day or
several, depending on the environment surrounding
the event. A ‘spontaneous’ decision to race might
necessitate no more than a handshake, while a race
that commemorates an event at time’s beginning
could call for weeks or even months of discussion.
Regardless of the amount of time invested the stage
one mechanics involve a contested Diplomacy vs.
Diplomacy check. For every 5 points by which
the challenger’s check exceeds the antagonist’s he
may either reduce the difficulty of a challenge by
2 points or select the check required for one of the
challenges. Speed (Run feat and base movement): the obstacle
Challenge of Grace Information Table
Apotheosis Skill Number of
Level Check DC Course Obstacles Base Speed
Mortal 38 5 40 ft.
Aspirant 42 5 60 ft.
Wielder 46 5 100 ft.
Illuminated 50 7 120 ft.
Immortal 54 9 140 ft.
CHALLENGES
Race the Course (Stage Two): Once the challenger
and the antagonist agree on the course the challenger
sets off. He must overcome a number of obstacles
based on his apotheosis level. Each obstacle requires
the challenger to make a single check depending on
what aspect of grace it addresses:
Agility (Dexterity check): The obstacle involves
flexibility, reflexes and quick thinking. Typical
examples include keeping footing on treacherous
surfaces, controlling how much pressure is placed
on a fragile object and other examples of physical
control.
Balance (Balance check): The obstacle involves
maintaining centre despite almost overwhelming
difficulties. Typical examples include walking on
a narrow ledge during a windstorm, hopping from
pillar to pillar over a raging fire or not falling into
a pool of acid while walking across a rolling stone
cylinder.
Control (Tumble check): The obstacle involves
absolute control over the challenger’s body. Typical
examples include sudden stops to avoid dropping
into a bottomless chasm, twisting and leaping up a
sheer surface or controlling a fall with tension and
relaxation across the palms.
Flexibility (Escape Artist check): The obstacle
involves contortion. Typical examples include
slipping through a very tight crack, grasping an
object and removing it by contorting the arm and
fitting into a box lower and narrower than the
distance from the challenger’s knees to the ground.
Grace (Move Silently check): The obstacle involves
careful, controlled motion. Typical examples
include carrying a pot of water on the head over a
rough surface without spilling a drop, performing a
dance without jingling a bell the performer carries or
walking over rice paper without leaving a footprint.
involves raw, outright speed. The challenger
must sprint his target, whether it be a rolling
ball or an avatar of the wind.
If he overcomes a majority of the obstacles
he successfully completes this stage. Failure
results in whatever appropriate penalties
the Games Master assesses based on the
environmental factors the challenger failed to
overcome.
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CHALLENGES
The Final Push (Stage Three): When the challenger
overcomes (or fails to overcome) the last obstacle in
the course he faces one final confrontation: a race
against the antagonist himself. The antagonist
may select any one of the above forms in which to
compete. This is a single roll, with the challenger
completing this stage if he wins.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
Quests force the challenger to overcome one obstacle
per location. At the end of each successfully
completed obstacle the challenger’s assistants,
guides and resources may provide him with aid as
appropriate.
In a test the challenger must take each obstacle one
after another in a specific order and in a set amount
of time. This is the most traditional form of this
challenge; a race or obstacle course the challenger
must complete in a short timeframe. Very traditional
antagonists will usually make this challenge from
dawn to dusk, in honour of the first challenge of
grace ever attempted.
In a trial the challenger faces progressively more
talented opposition at each race obstacle. This
means he does not know how hard the obstacle will
be, although ‘difficult’ would undoubtedly be a good
assessment.
Race against the Wind
Type: Test
Described Apotheosis Level: Wielder
Number of Course Obstacles: 7
Order of Obstacles: agility, balance, control,
flexibility, grace, speed and speed
Skill Check DC: 46
When an Immortal swears to serve the lords of
strength they will test his resolve and his worthiness
by re-enacting the first challenge of grace. This race,
run between the first wind elemental and the lord of
strength himself, took place from dawn to dusk after
the second dawn to light the world.
The race traditionally uses the following obstacles:
agility, balance, control, flexibility, grace, speed and
speed. The course runs up and over the mountain
at the heart of the world. During the negotiation
process the challenger may be able to ask for slight
208
variations on the traditional form if he can present a
sufficiently persuasive argument. If the Immortals
and gods learn of the challenge before it occurs they
usually line the race path to watch the challenger
Challenge of the Hunt
When the challenger takes up the challenge of the
hunt he sets out in search of a legendary beast with
nothing but his skills and a simple weapon. The two
spend the next few weeks circling one another until
they meet in a final, desperate battle. In accordance
with the ancient rules governing the hunt the
challenger may not use any magical or Immortal
powers he possesses. A hunter who can defeat his
foe without killing it, either by domesticating it or by
running it to exhaustion, gains fame as a true hunter
rather than a butcher.
An Immortal antagonist may either send out the
beast or transform himself into the creature the
challenger must hunt. In the latter case the rules
of the hunt forbid the antagonist from using his
Immortal powers, though he may still use whatever
mortal skills he possesses.
Immortal advocates, guides and resources all work
behind the scenes during a hunt. The challenger
does not have to work alone but he does have to
succeed mostly on his own skills. This stipulation
causes Immortals bound to his assistance to work in
subtle ways: leaving trail-markers, redirecting game
into his path, sending omens about the weather or
similar activities all fall within this scope.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of the hunt progresses through the
following stages:
Finding the Trail (Stage One): When the
challenger first takes up this challenge the antagonist
or challenge sponsor sends him into the wilds with
a simple weapon and whatever clothing he needs
to keep the water off. From there he must find his
target’s trail by making a Survival check. If he finds
the trail, he may make a Knowledge (nature) check
to identify the target creature.
The challenger can take up to three days to find
the target’s trail. If he cannot find the trail in the
appointed time the target will reveal itself to him then
run off. If the target must reveal itself the challenger
fails this stage but may progress to stage two.
 CHALLENGES

Close the Gap (Stage Two): After the challenger Challenge of the Hunt Information Table
finds the trail he must close the gap between the Apotheosis Skill Check Days Will
target and himself. The gap starts at a number of Level DC Apart Save
days based on the challenger’s apotheosis step. Mortal 38 2 24
Each day the challenger and the target make an
Aspirant 42 3 27
opposed Survival check. By the end of the total
number of days allocated the challenger must have Wielder 46 4 30
more successes than the target or the target presents Illuminated 50 5 33
himself to the challenger and the challenger loses Immortal 54 6 36
this stage. the creature. In order to do this he has three options:
chasing it down, engaging it in combat or using wild
Facing Nature’s Wrath (Stage Three): Every night empathy.
the challenger must face an environmental condition
(heat, cold, etc) appropriate to the setting. If he If he chooses to chase the target down the two enter
suffers no negative effects from the majority of these into a foot race. Every ten rounds they both must
environmental conditions he succeeds at this stage. make a Fortitude save. Each one that fails takes 1d4
Constitution damage. If the challenger fails three
The DC of any skill check required to resist this times before the target does the target gets away. If
condition is raised to the DC specified for the the target fails three times before the challenger does
challenge. The DC of any saving throw is likewise the challenger catches it just as it falls to the earth.
increased in order to provide the challenger with a
suitable threat. The challenger may, if he wishes, engage the target
in personal combat using his simple weapon and his
The Final Confrontation (Stage Four): Regardless mortal skills. This is resolved as a normal combat,
of how the challenger comes to it, when he finally with the challenger forced to avoid using both his
meets up with the target he must somehow overcome magical abilities and his Immortal gifts. If he
violates this rule he fails this stage even if he defeats
the target.

As a final option the challenger may choose to use

wild empathy, if he possesses it, to commune with
the creature. If he succeeds he tames the creature
and wins the stage.

Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.

The challenge of the hunt typically takes the form of

a quest. As the challenger endures nature’s wrath he
is expected to overcome not only the elements but
also the flaws in his personality that could lead to
his defeat.

During a test version of this challenge the challenger

and the target start off hours rather than days apart.
The challenger has from dusk until dawn to hunt
down and best the target. If he fails to complete
the majority of the quest stages by that time he
automatically fails the challenge.

During a trial each step during stage two becomes

fraught with peril. The forces of the world act to

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CHALLENGES
protect the target, sending dire and legendary animal
opposition equal with CR equal to the challenger’s
mortal levels plus his total victories against him each
day. The challenger may use any of the powers at his
disposal to answer these threats without violating the
challenge rules.
The Great Hunt
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
In order for an aspirant to prove his worth to the
animal spirits he must demonstrate his mastery over
the environment. So that he has this opportunity the
animal spirits awaken one of their number, asleep
since the time of legends, to walk the earth once
more. The challenger must hunt this beast down and
defeat it before the animals will trust him with their
greater secrets.
Challenge of Insight
When a challenger takes up a challenge of insight he
pits his mind against the world’s infinite wonders.
If he can tease out the answer to ancient riddles
and articulate them so that other, lesser minds
can understand them, then he passes through the
challenge unscathed. If he fails, then the mysteries
behind the challenge remain forever barred.
An Immortal playing the antagonist’s role in
this kind of challenge may pose the riddles in an
aggressive fashion or take on a more subtle role
acting as a mentor or even a guide. In the latter case
the Immortal’s intentions and interactions with the
challenger do not have the benign interest marking a
true guide. Instead, he acts to draw the challenger’s
attention to things ‘far outside the grasp of his small
mind and limited imagination’.
Immortals acting in the impediment role take on a
unique importance in a challenge of insight. They
may ask the challenger riddles, act to confuse the
challenger while he ponders his options or even try
to talk the challenger out of the right answer.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of insight progresses through the
following stages:
Set the Stage (Stage One): When the challenger first
takes up a challenge of insight he and the antagonist
must agree to the challenge terms. This negotiation
210
takes no more than a few minutes as the two sides
agree to variations on the ancient format.
Once the negotiations begin the two parties make
a contested Diplomacy vs. Diplomacy check. For
every five points by which the challenger’s check
exceeds the antagonists he may either reduce the
difficulty of a challenge by two points or select the
check required for one of the challenges.
The Great Debate (Stage Two): Once the
negotiations finish the antagonist and the challenger
move into the challenge proper. The antagonist poses
problems or riddles to the challenger, who must then
use a skill or attribute to resolve it successfully.
The challenger must answer each question by making
a Knowledge check. Each question must address a
different area of Knowledge, unless the challenger
used his ability to set the check from stage one in
order to make two or more of the checks the same.
The challenger must answer a number of questions
determined by his apotheosis level. He wins the
stage if he successfully resolves the majority of the
questions.
A Final Riddle (Stage Three): When the challenger
finishes answering the questions posed above he
enters the final challenge stage. At this point he and
the antagonist fall into a riddle game resolved by a
single Intelligence vs. Intelligence attribute check.
If the challenger wins this check he succeeds at this
stage.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
During a quest the challenger must travel, usually
to a wellspring, before being allowed to answer a
question. Once he answers the question he must
travel to another wellspring before taking up the next.
Each time the challenger journeys he lays himself
open to the dangers of the roads and anything the
antagonist or impediments have in store for him.
Traditionally the challenge of intellect takes the
form of a test. The antagonist and the challenger
sit face to face, with the antagonist asking questions
and the challenger firing back answers based on his
extensive knowledge of the world. The antagonist
does his level best to intimidate the challenger into

Challenge of Insight Information
Skill Check Number of
Apotheosis Level DC Questions
Mortal 38 5 difficult of creatures; mortals suffering from the
Aspirant 42 6 effects of being in a large group. He must rally their
Wielder 46 7 spirit to meet whatever circumstances the world
Illuminated 50 8 presents. If he fails he forfeits the challenge and the
Immortal 54 9
making enough mistakes for him to fail. In an
interesting variation on the traditional test format
the antagonist and challenger may trade riddles and
questions. In this variation the first person to not
answer a question fails and the person who asked the
question succeeds during the stage.
When this challenge takes the form of a trial each
impediment may ask the challenger a question
before he faces the antagonist in the third stage. In
this case the Immortal must answer at least double
the usual number of questions but he succeeds in the
stage even if the participants answer the majority.
Understanding the Seven Spheres
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Wielder
Number of Questions: 7
Order of Questions: Knowledge (history),
Knowledge (nature), Knowledge (religion),
Knowledge (planes), Knowledge (arcana),
Knowledge (geography), Knowledge (architecture
and engineering)
Skill Check DC: 46
Wellspring: Sargon’s Stone
When an Immortal wishes to progress in his
relationship with the power of the stars he must
demonstrate his knowledge not only of what is but of
what might come to pass. In order to do this he must
stand on Sargon’s Stone and demand that the world
send him a guide. When this guide appears the two
must, by tradition and law, agree on what questions
will be asked.
Once the two come to a clear agreement the guide
(really an antagonist) walks the challenger through
space and time. Each time they stop the antagonist
shows the challenger a false truth; it is up to the
challenger to discover what is wrong and correct the
antagonist’s version before moving forward.
211
CHALLENGES
Challenge of Leadership
When a challenger steps forward to answer a
challenge of leadership he engages with the most
mortal’s lives. Should he succeed, however, he may
go down in legend as the founder of a nation or the
father of a great people.
When taking the antagonist’s role the Immortal
must find and persecute a target the challenger can
then come to save. The antagonist’s alignment does
not affect his target selection; a good Immortal can
find himself wreaking havoc on a ostensibly good
nation while discharging his covenant obligations.
Similarly, Immortals in the impediment role may
find themselves working, at least in a simple sense,
against the very goals they wish to support.
Immortal advocates and assistants both find
challenges of leadership incredibly difficult to
deal with. Charismatic mortals rarely need direct
assistance. They do, however, often require quite
a lot of support in order to maintain their fragile
self-images. This kind of mollycoddling does not
come easily to Immortals used to spending hundreds
of years before acting with absolute certainty in the
rightness of their cause.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of leadership progresses through the
following stages:
Hear the Call (Stage One): Once the challenger
sets out on the challenge of leadership he must wait
for the world to present his target. This presentation
usually takes a relatively simple form: an overheard
rumour, a chance encounter or a bit of untruth that
reaches the challenger’s ears before it spreads to the
rest of the world. In order to recognise this call the
challenger must make a bardic knowledge, Gather
Information or Knowledge (local) check.
The challenger gets three chances to hear the call.
If he fails on all three the world provides him with
enough information to identify his target without
such subtle means: invasions, natural disasters and
even worse calamities almost always attract the
attention of even the densest challenger.
CHALLENGES
If the challenger succeeds at this stage he gains
a +1 bonus to his skill checks for the rest of the
challenge.
Come Unto Them as the Blaze of Dawn (Stage
Two): Once the challenger identifies his target
people he must take actions bringing himself to
their attention. These actions must match their need,
provide them with some relief and be impressive
enough to leave a lasting impression.
The challenger must overcome a number of calamities
based on his apotheosis step. The antagonist must
provide the challenger with sufficient calamities,
although he does not have to guide the challenger
to them by the nose. The challenger or a participant
may make a Gather Information or Knowledge
(local) check to identify these calamities as they
arise. Traditional calamities include bandits, fires,
floods and torrential rains that destroy a kingdom’s
crops.
If the challenger successfully resolves the majority
of the opportunities in a way that helps rather than
hurts the target people he succeeds at this stage of
the challenge. Once all of the opportunities pass the
challenger passes into stage three whether he wants
to or not.
Raise the Hearts (Stage Three): In the third stage
the challenger takes decisive action to deal with
the target people’s issues. This action involves
either removing impediments or bringing advocates
into the fray on the people’s side. The challenger
may pass one or both in order to meet the stage
requirements as established by the antagonist.
When the challenger removes an impediment he can
either defeat the impediment in battle or negotiate
A trial combines the worst aspects of a quest and a
with him to end his persecution. In either case if he
test. The challenger must fight his way through ever-
fails to remove the impediment he is unsuccessful at
growing hordes of opposition while dealing with
this stage. calamity after calamity. Every time he successfully
overcomes one difficulty he accidentally spawns
Challenge of Leadership Information
Stage Two: Stage Three:
Apotheosis Skill Number of Impediments Will
Level Check DC Calamities and Advocates Save
Mortal 38 3 1 24
Aspirant 42 3 3 27
Wielder 46 5 5 30
Illuminated 50 5 7 33
Immortal 54 7 9 36
212
When the challenger brings advocates in to assist the
people he must make a Diplomacy check to convince
them to provide aid. If he fails this skill check he
fails this stage task.
If the challenger succeeds at the majority of the stage
portions he succeeds at the stage. Otherwise he fails
the stage. In either case, after having essayed all of
the tasks, he must progress to the fourth and final
stage.
Control the Raging Fire (Stage Four): Once
the challenger deals with the calamities, removes
impediments and draws advocates into the fray he can
directly confront the antagonist or the antagonist’s
proxy. The two have 24 hours to resolve the dispute;
if the challenger cannot make the antagonist flee or
stop he loses this stage.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
When this challenge takes the form of a quest the
challenger must journey far outside of the people’s
land to find advocates willing to assist them. Each
advocate requires a separate journey; each journey
forces the challenger to overcome whatever obstacles
the antagonist feels fit to put into his way.
Conversely, a test of leadership takes place in a very
limited space of time. The challenger has one week
to do what others accomplish in a lifetime. These
highly compressed tests force the challenger to
overcome not only the opposition but time and space
itself as he races from one end of the multiverse to
the other.
two more. Trials are wonderful
opportunities for large groups of
participants to step forward, dividing
the seemingly enormous number of
problems among themselves then
scattering to deal with them.
Alliance of Light
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant

Impediments and Advocates: 2 Impediments, 1
Advocate
Number of Calamities: 3 (A great flood, a plague
and a wild fire engulfing the farm lands)
Skill Check DC: 42
When the leader of a good people wishes the best for
them he will dare to attempt the alliance of light. In
so doing he makes his people a target for one of the
great demon princes. This prince sends destruction
and woe into the land, unleashing not only natural
phenomena but also at least two of his strongest
lieutenants. The challenger must stave off the
resulting destruction while simultaneously pleading
with the celestial host to come to his people’s aid. If
he is successful he may eventually cross blades with
the demon prince himself.
Challenge of Life
When a challenger takes up the challenge of life
he faces one of the greatest struggles a mortal or
Immortal can undertake. He must somehow spark
life. Mortals engage in this act without thought
or control, but he must do it in a specific time,
fashion and using methods designed to bring life
to a particular thing. This challenge involves either
creating a new kind of life for a particular purpose
or rekindling the life within an already broken
shell. Both acts require the utmost patience and
determination on the challenger’s part.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of life progresses through the following
stages:
Life Calls to Life (Stage One): When a challenger
embarks on a challenge of life he must wait for
the world to present him a target. This typically
happens within 1d4 days of the challenger issuing
his challenge, but it could take longer at the
Games Master’s discretion. When the challenger
encounters his target he must make either a Healing
Each save carries its own price for failure. When
Challenge of Life Information
Stage Two: Number Stage Three:
Apotheosis Skill of Successes Number of Saves
Level Check DC Required Required
Mortal 38 3 1
Aspirant 42 5 3
Wielder 46 8 3
Illuminated 50 11 5 33
Immortal 54 14 5 36
213
CHALLENGES
or Knowledge (nature) check to identify it. If the
character needs to spark the target’s life he must
make a Healing check; if it involves the creation of a
new form of life he must make a Knowledge (nature)
check to realise no existing life can fill the need.
If the challenger succeeds at this stage he receives a
+1 bonus to all further skill checks. Should he fail
the target makes it clear he needs the challenger’s
assistance in some fashion.
Two Lives Together (Stage Two): When the
challenger finds his target he must make a Healing
check to bind their spirits together. If he succeeds
he takes 1d10 damage and the target stabilises. If he
fails, he takes 2d10 damage and the target stabilises.
Each round the challenger makes either Healing (to
spark life) or a Knowledge (nature) (to create life)
check. Each time he succeeds he marks one success
and takes 1d10 damage. Each time he fails he takes
2d10 damage. Advocates, assistants and participants
may not heal him between or during skill checks but
may provide him with advice and counsel.
The challenger may quit this stage at any time. If
he has not yet achieved the number of successes
required then he fails this challenge stage. In the
case of Heal checks this means the creature the
challenger tends will die. For Knowledge (nature)
checks it means the challenger did not create the new
life and the creature that needed it to live will die
shortly thereafter.
Two Lives, Two Beats (Stage Three): Regardless
of the challenger’s success or failure in stage two he
must break the bond between the target’s life and
his own or suffer its fate forever. The challenger
does this by, each round, making both a Will and a
Fortitude save. He must attempt a number of these
saves based on his apotheosis step.
the challenger fails his Will
save he suffers a –1 penalty
to all future saving throws in
Save the challenge. When he fails
DC the Fortitude save he takes
24 1d6 damage to each of the
27 following abilities: Strength,
30 Dexterity and Constitution.
CHALLENGES

What is the difference between sparking life and creating something new?
An astute reader will notice that in both of these proposed cases the character needs to save a ‘target’ and
invests a random amount of hit points into doing so. What then, exactly, distinguishes the two?

When a challenger sparks life he lays hands on a living or recently dead creature and pours his life force into
it in order to bring it back to life. This resurrection takes a great deal out of the challenger but allows him to
prove his dedication to the healing arts. Conversely, when a challenger creates life he creates a plant or animal
with the ability to heal an injured or dead target. This creation exists only long enough to fulfil its purpose
then vanishes back into the netherworld from which it came.

In short, it is a matter of effect and style rather than mechanics.

Structural Variations Challenge of Judgement

Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
In a quest of life the challenger must seek out his
target rather than waiting for the world to present it
to him. Once he finds it he must come up with a way
to keep it alive while he journeys to 1d4 wellsprings
in preparation for the upcoming challenge. At each
wellspring he learns a new secret intended to assist
him in his final endeavour.
The test represents the traditional format for a
challenge of life. In this case the Immortal struggles
to save a life against overwhelming odds using the
resources at his disposal.
Trials of life force the Immortal to assist multiple
targets. He must bond with each one, but only needs
to make two successes to move on to the next. These
become particularly gruelling at higher apotheosis
steps.
Creation of the Universal Balm
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Number of Successes Required: 5
Number of Saves Required: 3
Skill Required: Creation (Knowledge (nature))
Skill Check DC: 42
When a challenger takes up the challenge to create
a universal balm he does not really have to create a
plant capable of curing all ills. Instead, the universe
guides him to a person who suffers from an otherwise
incurable disease in a highly advanced stage. The
challenger must then create, out of his own life force,
a spark of life strong enough to drive back death’s
shadow. The resulting ‘plant’ is sterile but beautiful
and yields enough medicine for one dose.
When a challenger takes up the challenge of
judgement he accepts responsibility for coming to
a decision, just or not, in a dispute between two or
more parties. However, these parties are not just
local farmers; they are all powers in the world; kings
and princes, gods and demons, each with sufficient
power to alter the shape of nations. The challenger’s
decision will affect not just those who sit waiting for
his wisdom but also everything those beings touch.
Immortals in all roles take the part of parties
awaiting judgement. The antagonist will usually,
but not always, be the most demanding and hostile
party; other roles display more tolerance for the
challenger’s responsibility to render a careful
judgement.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of judgement progresses through the
following steps:
The Stage of Court (Stage One): When a challenger
embarks on a test of judgement he may either receive
words from a higher power or simply find himself
in a situation where he must come to a judgement
between various parties about the dispensation of a
thing. In either case, when the challenger arrives on
the scene he may seize the opportunity to establish
his place as the judge, thereby establishing both
his power over the parties and the time he needs to
successfully arbitrate the case.
He can establish his place in any number of fashions.
However, mechanically he may make a number of
skill checks equal to his Wisdom modifier using
skills from the following list: Diplomacy, Intimidate,
Knowledge (nobility and royalty), Perform (acting),
Perform (oratory) or Sense Motive. Each successful

214

skill check gives the challenger a re-roll he may use
during any of the next three stages. He may only
make a skill check once with a given skill.
If the challenger fails the majority of these rolls he
fails this challenge stage.
Hearing the Case (Stage Two): When the
challenger finishes establishing his credentials he
must then hear the various arguments presented in
the case. Each side will make a presentation taking
1d4 days at the end of which time the challenger
must make a contested Sense Motive vs. either
the presenter’s Bluff or Diplomacy check. If the
presenter wins the challenger believes everything he
presented to be, if not the facts, at least correct from
the presenter’s point of view. If the challenger wins
he can identify areas (1d4 per presenter) where the
presenter introduced a problem into his argument.
The Games Master determines the type of problem
from the following list: problems of argument,
divine law, fact and perception.
Each time the challenger wins he gains another area
he can investigate during stage three. If he wins the
majority of these contests he emerges victorious
from this challenge stage.
If the challenger fails all of these checks he fails to
pass into stage three and must proceed directly to
stage four.
Weighing the Truth (Stage Three): When
the challenger hears the last arguments he may
deliberate on the truth for one day. During this
time he may investigate the areas where the various
presenters failed to completely elucidate their points
or loosely interpreted the law. The skills or abilities
used to determine the truth in these matters depends
on the type of problem presented:
Problems of argument, in which the presenter
introduced logical fallacies in order to bolster his
case, require a Perform (oratory) check to identify
and correct.
Problems of divine law, in which the presenter
ignored divine laws or traditions, require the
challenger to make a Knowledge (religion) check.
A successful skill check permits the challenger
to uncover the proper interpretation of the law in
question.
215
CHALLENGES
Challenge of Judgement Information
Apotheosis
Level Skill Check DC Number of Sides
Mortal 38 2
Aspirant 42 3
Wielder 46 4
Illuminated 50 5
Immortal 54 6
Problems of fact, in which the presenter misstated
a point of information, require the challenger to
make an appropriate Knowledge check or to spend
20 levels of divination spells determining the truth.
Success allows the challenger access to the correct
factual information regardless of any attempts made
to obscure it.
Problems of perception, in which the presenter spoke
about the political ramifications of the case, require
the challenger to make a Gather Information check.
A successful skill check gives the challenger clear
understanding of the referenced point.
If the challenger succeeds at the majority of these
skill checks he successfully negotiates this stage. If
he or his fellow participants instead fail the majority
they fail the stage.
Cast a Verdict (Stage Four): Once the challenger
finishes weighing the truth he must issue a verdict
based on his best judgement. The Games Master
then weighs whether or not the judgement’s results
match up with the challenger’s stated alignment and
his covenant agreements.
If the challenger wishes he may make a Knowledge
(history) check before issuing his judgement. If he
is successful he may ask the Games Master a number
of questions about the judgement’s ramifications
equal to his Intelligence modifier.
If the Games Master feels the judgement favours
the challenger’s alignment and covenants, as well as
the truth of the case and divine law, the challenger
succeeds at this stage of the challenge.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
A quest of judgement requires the challenger to
travel to meet with the various parties. Each of
CHALLENGES
the journeys opens the challenger up to possible
interference, ranging from seduction to outright
murder.
A test of judgement plays out like a normal
challenge only quite a bit faster. The challenger
only listens to the arguments for hours rather than
days. Furthermore, he can only address a number
of problems with those arguments equal to his total
Intelligence modifier plus one for each participant
willing to help with the search.
The challenge of judgement typically takes the form
of a trial. The younger and less skilled presenters
step forward first, while the hoary old Immortals and
outsiders with millennia of experience arguing their
points reserve the pride of place in the rear. This
causes the challenger’s contested skill checks to
become progressively harder as the challenge moves
forward.
Rebirth of the Wrongfully Slain
Type: Trial
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Number of Sides: 3
Skill Check DC: 42
Wellspring: None
It happens that sometimes, in the course of normal
events, a life ends before its appointed time. When
this comes about due to the actions of free will the
lords of healing must simply stand back and accept
it. However, at times the great celestial machinery
claims a life out of sequence. In these cases the lords
of healing may demand a full hearing, in which the
servants of the lords of death, the lords of destruction
and the lords of knowledge must come to argue why
the mortal’s death does not deserve to be revoked.
The lords of death, predictably, argue that death
should never be reversed whatever the cause.
Meanwhile the lords of destruction must answer for
whatever caused the foul up in the first place and the
lords of knowledge lay out the ramifications of the
mortal’s death. Once all the arguments are heard the
challenger must come to a decision in keeping with
the rights of the mortal, his own alignment and the
lords of healing’s needs to preserve the balance of
power in the universe.
216
Challenge of Power
When a challenger takes up the challenge of power
he pits his magical might against the greatest
challenges the world can offer. These challenges
force the magician to do more than just sling spells
around with abandon as he normally would in a
so-called adventure. Instead, he must carefully
calibrate his spells into exact sequences of power in
order to lock or unlock the magical barriers holding
back the world’s doom.
In this kind of challenge Immortal antagonists create
the situation in which the magician must display his
powers. The other roles fall by the wayside as the
two great powers, one representing primal forces and
the other the power of wonder, square off to prove
once again who, or what, reigns supreme.
A challenge of power always takes place at a
wellspring.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of power progresses through the
following stages:
Raise the Pale (Stage One): When the challenger
first essays a challenge of power he must make
a Spellcraft check and cast a number of spells
sufficient to meet the spell level requirement listed
in the table below. These spells must all be of the
abjuration or necromancy schools. Once cast these
spells form the ‘pale’, a magical ward around the
area where the challenger will conduct the rest of
this challenge. Mortals, even those with incredible
power, simply cannot cross the pale without the
challenger’s permission. Immortals may pass
through it freely, but doing so causes the challenge
to end and the challenger to fail.
The challenger may deliberately include a number
of participants in the pale equal to his Intelligence
modifier. These participants may assist him in
meeting the spell level/school requirements for the
later stages.
If the challenger cannot meet this requirement or fails
the Spellcraft check he may move into the second
stage. However, any interruption will immediately
cause him to fail.
Weaving Power on the World’s Loom (Stage
Two): Once the challenger raises the pale he can
begin the body of his work. This work consists
 CHALLENGES

Challenge of Power Information Structural Variations

Apotheosis Skill Spell Quests, tests and trials may require the
Level Check DC Levels Schools Points Saves following variations.
Mortal 38 30 2 5 21
Aspirant 42 40 3 5 24 During a quest of power the challenger
must move from wellspring to wellspring
Wielder 46 50 4 7 27
during stage two. Each time he achieves a
Illuminated 50 60 5 7 30
point he ‘seals’ the wellspring, preventing
Immortal 54 70 6 9 33 Immortals tapped into it from using their
of determining the correct sequence of spells and associated tap gifts and Aura. This makes
spell levels required to overcome a portion of the the challenger extremely unpopular among the
imbalance that drew the challenger, then casting Immortals so affected. During a quest the challenger
those spells in sequence. must raise the pale at each wellspring but he only
receives credit for the first pale he raises
In order to determine the sequence the challenger
must make a Spellcraft check. If he succeeds he Traditionally a challenge of power takes the form of
discovers the schools and the number of spell levels a test. The challenger and whatever participants he
required to reach the next point. At each point he can muster weave power as quickly as he possibly
must make another Spellcraft check to work out the can.
required spells and schools.
A trial of power follows the same format as a
The Games Master determines the schools required by standard challenge. However, the challenger must
either random selection or in keeping with the theme also fend off successive waves of assailants while
of the power challenge. A challenge
to cap a wellspring of mythic evil
might require considerable amounts
of invocation and abjuration, while
a challenge to rebalance the world’s
magic will require all of the schools
at one point or another.

If the challenger succeeds at the

majority of these challenges he wins
through this stage. If he succeeds
and can apply enough magical power
to overcome them all, then he gains a
bonus equal to the number of points
overcome to his saving throws in the
final stage.

The Final Draw (Step Three):

When the challenger finishes weaving
his power he suffers a backlash as all
of the previously invoked power
channels back through his body. He
must make a number of Fortitude and
Reflex saves equal to the total number
of schools required by the weavings.
Each time he fails a Fortitude save
he takes 1d6 damage to his highest
ability that granted bonus spells cast
during the second stage. Each time
he fails a Reflex save he takes 4d10
hit points of damage.

217
CHALLENGES
he weaves power. A trial of power usually provides
the challenger’s friends and fellow participants with
an incredible opportunity to prove their worth; while
their friend does his duty they stand against all the
forces of heaven and hell.
Closing the Gates of Time
Type: Trial
Described Apotheosis Level: Immortal
Skill Check DC: 54
Spell Levels Required Per Point: 70
Schools Required Per Point: 5 (abjuration,
conjuration, invocation, illusion and transformation)
Points in Stage Two: 9
Saving Throw DC: 33
Wellspring: The Darkness Under the Mountain
(evil)
Long ago an Immortal who drank deeply of mythic
evil discovered a way to overthrow the balance of
power supporting the universe. He worked out a
way to open a portal back into the beginning of time,
to the moment just before the gods wove the world.
With this knowledge he opened this portal within
one of the deepest pits of darkness, with the intent
of allowing mythic evil to decide the world’s form.
Only the quick action of several gods and the great Yi
itself stops this gate from opening. Now, once every
century the forces of evil attempt to open the gate
and the lords of magic must send a representative to
prevent that from happening.
Once the challenger steps into the Darkness Under
the Mountain he and his friends come under
increasing waves of infernal assault. The first few
waves of attackers do not include Immortals among
their number; however, as the challenger progresses
through the points and rebuilds the seals Immortals
bound to mythic evil put in an appearance.
Fortunately for the world the challenger does not
have to reset all of the seals; a majority will keep the
gate sealed for another century.
Challenge of the Mirror
When a challenger essays the challenge of the mirror
he agrees to face his past, his present and potentially
his future. In facing himself the challenger must
not only explore his own destiny, but also deep
questions about what he wants and where he comes
from. Unfortunately for more aggressively minded
challengers, the mirror does not create separate
realities; each image of himself is the challenger
and anything that happens to it happens to him as
218
well. No matter how confusing things become the
challenger must keep his head or lose everything,
including his current life.
Immortals have little to do in the challenge of the
mirror. Once the challenger begins to face himself
nothing else really matters. They may speak to him
before or during his experiences with his reflected
life, but in the end it is the challenger’s personal
strength that wins through.
Challenge Structure
The challenge of the mirror forces the challenger to
go through a number of the following stages. These
stages do not follow the same, structured sequence
presented with most challenges. Instead, the Games
Master may mix and match them to create the
desired effect.
In all cases the character and his reflections share the
same hit points, even if they have radically different
abilities. Any damage done to the challenger appears
in the reflection and vice versa.
All of the variant stages in a challenge of the mirror
use the same mechanics. Regardless of what the
challenger encounters or what he sees he must make
a Spot check at intervals determined by the Games
Master. If he succeeds he sees a doorway leading out
of the challenge and into the unknown. He must turn
his back on whatever aspect of himself he faces and
step through. If he fails the Spot check or allows the
environment to distract him he loses that chance to
step through. Ordinarily a challenger receives two or
three chances to continue. Only after refusing each
opportunity does the challenger fail.
Failure to pass a stage in the challenge of the mirror
typically results in the challenger’s immediate death
or his reincarnation as someone totally different
from what he once was. The Games Master and the
player should feel free to imagine exactly what this
new incarnation looks like and how it differs from
the original. The world itself does not change; the
Participants and the Mirror
This is one of the few challenges where the
challenger must enter and face the challenge
completely alone. However, the other players
can wile away the time by playing variations
on their own characters introduced into the
challenger’s reflected lives.
 CHALLENGES

character’s friends and foes all remember him as he Challenge of the Mirror Information Table
once was rather then how he now believes himself Apotheosis Skill Check Number
to be. Level DC of Stages Chances
Mortal 38 3 3
The variant stages are:
Aspirant 42 3 2
Wielder 46 5 2
Facing an Altered Self: In this stage the challenger
faces a version of himself with opposed alignment Illuminated 50 5 1
(one or more) and a radically different background. Immortal 54 7 1
This altered self berates the challenger over the Quests of the mirror force the challenger to travel in
foolish decisions that lead the challenger to this order to meet his various selves. He is vulnerable
impasse. If the two have opposite alignments he to attack or distraction while on the road. These
may also attack. The challenger must deal with his distractions rarely amount to much; the challenge
altered self and its actions while searching for the of the mirror is dangerous enough without posing
way forward. additional problems.
In some cases the challenger must also prevent the The challenge of the mirror traditionally takes the
altered self from stepping through the portal out form of a test, but it could be a trial as well. A trial
without killing them both. of the mirror always involves successively more
dangerous versions of the challenger who would like
Facing the Past: In this stage the challenger enters nothing better than to supplant the challenger in the
a recreation of one of the most embarrassing, ‘real’ world.
humiliating or just outright foolish moments of
his life. He has the abilities, levels and powers he
possessed at that moment, but all of the knowledge Three Rings of Mastery
and skill he currently wields. As the scene unfolds Type: Test
the portals to the next challenge stage open, forcing Described Apotheosis Level: Mortal
him to choose between correcting his past and Chances: 3
moving into the future. Number of Stages: 3
Stages: Facing the Past, Facing the Future, Facing
Games Masters are encouraged to record particularly an Alternate Self (fighter)
foolish moments in the character’s chequered history Skill Check DC: 38
in order to use them during these stages. Wellspring: The Tree of Yu (magic)

Facing the Future: In this stage the challenger
faces a troublesome or seductive future as his future
self. Troublesome futures engage the challenger in
problems he wants to solve (with the attendant perks)
while seductive futures give him everything he ever
dreamed of. The challenge presents the challenger
with problems he could solve as his future self while
simultaneously opening the portal back into the
challenge proper. Each time the challenger ignores
the portal out he gains more knowledge and power
from his future self. Once he leaves the stage he
loses that knowledge and power, although he retains
the memory of possessing it.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
When an elfin lord wishes to start down the Steps
from Grove to Grove he must first walk into the Tree
of Yu. There, the Tree presents him three visions of
what he is: one from his past, one from his future
and one that embodies his life if he gave in to the
rage simmering in every elven heart. If he can shake
free of the past, avoid the seduction of the future and
avoid death at his own angry hands he emerges as
an Aspirant Immortal, ready to walk the path into
legends.
Challenge of Steel
After participating in the intricate subtleties of some
challenges many once-mortal challengers find the
straightforward action involved with the challenge
of steel a refreshing change of pace. Unlike the
other challenges, where one faces ambiguous powers
and deadly shadows, the challenge of steel involves
facing opponents in the light of day with a blade in
hand and red blood on the ground.

219
CHALLENGES
This does not mean that a challenge of steel lacks
complications though. Immortal antagonists and
impediments delight in throwing odd twists at the
would-be champion. Nothing delights them so
much as forcing the warrior to make moral decisions
before he enters his fights. In particular, many
Immortals invest common people (and sometimes
the challenger’s loved ones), with amazing powers
just to see if the challenger will strike them down in
his personal quest for glory.
Advocates, assistants and guides must stay out of the
direct fighting but may work with their challengers
in between rounds. Resources may grant boons
between the rounds as well, helping the challengers
prepare themselves for the next wave of opposition.
This challenge scales well to large, combat-ready
groups. Participants can face various opponents
while clearing the way for the challenger to face the
antagonist.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of steel progresses through the following
stages:
Enter the Arena (Stage One): When the challenger
steps forward to meet a challenge of steel he must
do so in keeping with the ancient traditions and
laws of the god’s contests. In order to successfully
follow this ritual each of the participants must make
a Knowledge (religion) skill check followed by a
Concentration skill check. If the challenger fails
either check he fails the stage. If he succeeds at both
checks the challenger gains a +1 bonus to attack and
damage rolls throughout the challenge.
Meet the Challenge (Stage Two): In the second
stage the challenger and the other participants
engage in one-on-one conflicts with a variety of foes.
Each foe is at least equal to the character he faces.
If the challenger and the participants overcome the
majority of their foes they can move on to the next
stage. If, conversely, they do not defeat the majority
Challenge of Steel Information
Apotheosis Number of
Level Opponents Challenger Level
Mortal 5 Same Level
Aspirant 7 Level +2 Aspirant
Wielder 9 Level +2 Wielder
Illuminated 11 Level +4 Illuminated
Immortal 14 Level +4 Immortal
220
of their opponents those who did win can face off
with the remaining opponents in a single battle.
So long as the challenger survives he can move on to
stage three. However, he only succeeds at this stage
if he and his friends achieve a clear majority of wins
during the first pass.
The Final Conflict (Stage Three): In the third
challenge the challenger and antagonist finally meet
in a battle royal. The antagonist may pull out all of
the stops and receives additional powers from the
world if he needs them to match the challenger’s
strength. If the challenger wins this combat he
succeeds at this stage.
Structural Variations
Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
Quests involve the challenger and his fellow
participants journeying through the world to various
places of renown. At each place they encounter
another opponent. Either the challenger or one
of the participants must step forward to meet the
opponent in single combat.
In a test of steel the challenger and his friends have
no pause for breath between conflicts. Fortunately,
the same holds true of the various opponents. As
the two sides wear one another out the challenge
becomes as much a test of wills and resources as it is
of martial and magical might.
Traditionally this challenge takes the form of a
trial; the weaker opponents step forward to test the
challenger then the antagonist unveils his full might
in order to break him.
The Tournament of Champions
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Number of Opponents: 7
Wellspring: The Coliseum (victory)
When an Immortal takes up a challenge of steel he
often enters the Tournament of Champions. Seven
or more other Immortals enter the Tournament to
fight and if need be to die in order to place their
hand on the sacred stone and receive a laurel crown.
The final combat is always against the Tournament’s
organiser, a wise old being who may be an outsider,
a god or something else entirely.
 CHALLENGES

Challenge of Strength The Final Throw (Stage Three): After the

challenger passes through the second stage he enters
When a challenger steps forward to meet the
challenge of strength he pits his physical might into the challenge’s final hour. The weight of the
against the worst the world can offer. Each challenge object seems to double, then increase exponentially.
requires at least one feat of legendary strength or He must make another Str check and then hold
endurance, usually both, before the challenger can the object while taking steady attribute damage
declare himself the victor. Storytellers particularly to his Strength, Dexterity or Constitution (choose
love these challenges, as they make great fodder for randomly). He may reduce this damage by his
campfire tales and ballads about the ‘manly men of Strength modifier by making a Fortitude save. This
old’ who once strode the world like gods. damage is dealt a number of times based on the
challenger’s apotheosis step.
Immortal antagonists establish the conditions
required for the challenge to proceed, a state of affairs Structural Variations
that can necessitate the destruction of entire nations. Quests, tests and trials may require the following
Impediments work to prevent the challenger from variations.
reaching the challenge site or vex him during the
long hours of his trial. More helpful Immortals take The challenge of strength is unsuitable for use as
on the role of angels in this challenge, ensuring the a quest. The danger of the challenge comes from
challenger has adequate inner resources to overcome pushing the challenger’s body through and past his
the obstacles presented. ordinary limits; allowing him time to rest between
the checks belies the point.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of strength progresses through the As structured the challenge of strength is a test. It
following stages: could be transformed into a trial if the weight slowly
increased, either through natural events or because
Step up to the Stone (Stage One): When a of the actions of the antagonist and impediments.
challenger essays the challenge of strength he must Similarly, during a trial the challenger may come
first confront and then begin to move whatever under attack by hostile forces. Whatever happens he
weight he faces. This weight may be the dung in cannot afford to drop the weight or he will lose the
a stable, the vault of heaven or a stone as large as challenge outright.
a mountain. Whatever the case, he must make a
number of Strength checks based off his apotheosis Raising the Stone Gates of Tamarkan
step. Each successful check allows him to lift the Type: Test
object and secure his grip, granting him a re-roll in Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
later stages. Dex and Str Check DC: 25
Save DC: 24
In order to pass this challenge the challenger must Stage Two: Hours: 5
succeed at the majority of his Strength checks. Stage Three: Damage: 1d4
Stage Four: Rounds of Damage: 4
Hour-by-Hour (Stage Two): Once the challenger Wellspring: None
lifts the weight he must hold it in place for a number
of hours based on his apotheosis step. Each hour The ancient gates of Tamarkan, carved from the
the challenger must make a Will and a Fortitude stone at the heart of the Cold Mountains, long ago
save. If he fails the Will save he fell into the desert sands. The great chains that once
suffers a –1 cumulative penalty to Challenge of Strength Information
all subsequent hours. If he fails
Apotheosis Stage Three Stage Two: Dex And Str Save
the Fortitude save he must make a
Level Damage/Rounds Hours Check DC DC
Dexterity check to catch the object
before it falls. This sudden lack Mortal 1d4/4 3 20 24
of balance and the resulting strain Aspirant 1d4/4 5 25 27
inflicts 1d6 Con damage to the Wielder 1d6/5 7 30 30
challenger. If the object falls he Illuminated 1d6/5 9 35 33
fails this stage. Immortal 1d8/7 11 40 36

221
CHALLENGES

bound them to the gate frame still hang from the
100-foot tall posts, awaiting a mortal or Immortal
daring enough to draw them up once more.
When an Immortal wishes to prove his worth to the
lords of strength he must stand between these two
posts and draw the gates from their sandy resting
place. There he must hold them up for a space of no
less than five hours, enduring whatever punishments
come his way.
The Torments of the Soul (Stage Two): Once the
challenger establishes his concentration he must
wait for the antagonist to begin his torments. These
torments usually take the form of visions, but may
also include physical or psychological torments as
well. For each torment the challenger must make
both a Will save (to maintain his focus) and a Reflex
save (to avoid allowing his vision to be pulled from
his point of focus). If he fails the Reflex save he
suffers a –2 penalty to his next Will save.

Character must make the majority of saves or fail.

Challenge of Will
When a challenger steps forward to engage in a
The Hour Before the Dawn (Stage Three): Once
challenge of will he pits his mental strength and
the challenger passes through the second stage the
force of will against the worst the world can offer. If
antagonist comes to speak with the challenger. What
he can maintain his focus regardless of what happens
the two speak about does not really matter. The
around him he can overcome the challenge and claim
antagonist’s goal is to force the challenger to break
the prize. Should he fail he might forfeit his body,
concentration and speak, not to offer him any deals
mind, life or soul to the powers arrayed against him.
or accomplish anything substantial. The antagonist
When faced with such a high price only the most
uses Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidation to try to
daring or the most determined of challengers takes
trick the challenger into responding. The challenger
up the gauntlet.
may resist by making Sense Motive checks and Will
saves if the Sense Motive check fails.
Immortal antagonists engaged in a challenge of will
may invent the most elaborate torments so long as
The challenger must resist the majority of the taunts
they obey the rules and restrictions established for
in order to pass this stage successfully. Even if the
the various stages. These torments usually stop short
challenger succeeds before he reaches the end the
of outright torture, as physically violating the target
antagonist must unleash all of the taunts required by
can result in terrible consequences for all involved.
the stage before retiring.
However, when faced with the opportunity to break
the will of a particularly hated opponent more
than one Immortal has forsaken his vows for the Structural Variations
momentary joy provided by revenge. Quests, tests and trials may require the following
variations.
Challenge Structure A challenge of will makes an excellent quest. The
A challenge of will progresses through the following
challenger must travel to various stations where he
stages:
meditates upon the challenge’s mysteries. At each
station the challenge impediments send torments
Establish the Mantra (Stage One): When the
to distract him, trying to prevent him from learning
challenger begins to essay the challenge of will he
whatever truth the station holds.
has a few moments to gather his concentration. He
may make a Concentration check and Knowledge
Most challenges of will are tests; they take place
(religion) check. If he succeeds at both checks
within the space of a single afternoon or evening.
he gains a number of re-rolls he may use in the
following stages equal to his Wisdom modifier. Challenge of Will
Apotheosis Skill Number of Number
This stage is a simple pass/fail condition; therefore Level Check DC Torments of Taunts
participants may not make this skill check for the
Mortal 38 3 3
challenger but they may assist him with their own
Aspirant 42 3 5
Concentration checks or through the use of the
Perform skill. Wielder 46 5 7
Illuminated 50 5 9
Immortal 54 7 11

222
 CHALLENGES

However, they can also easily become trials if the
impediments and antagonist decide that the best way
to prevent the challenger from succeeding is simply
to remove him. The challenger must break his
concentration to respond to the attack; if he does not
wish to fail he must have defenders who will prevent
the antagonist from killing him outright.
Five Long Breaths
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Aspirant
Skill Check DC: 42
Number of Torments: 3
Number of Taunts: 5
Wellspring: None
The so-called ‘Five Long Breaths’ is a challenge
established in the shadows of the first few days
by the lords of magic. It is said that before they
would engage in great acts of power they took five
long breaths, during which they spawned avatars
of themselves to argue the case against using
their powers. If the avatar could not break their
concentration or convince them not to act they put
forth their full power.
Immortals who essay this challenge must call on
other Immortals and various spirits to take the place
of the lord’s avatars, but it still serves much the same
purpose. The challenger must focus on a single
thought or plan; the tormentors attempt to break his
concentration and prove to him that it is not a worthy
goal. If he can maintain his focus he learns a great
deal both about himself and about the thing he would
accomplish.
a very personal something, from one of the great
powers of the world. This power, called the mark, is
usually an opponent of the challengers. By tradition
the challenger must not only humiliate the mark, he
must also take something of great value from him.
This final step is not strictly speaking necessary, but
it does amuse the gods. Even the antagonist will
most likely crack a grin about it in a few centuries
time. Of course, for those few centuries he harbours
a deep seated and long lasting hate for the person
who humiliated him, but such things just form part
of the wit’s life.
Challenge Structure
A challenge of wit progresses through the following
structure:
Making the Mark (Stage One): When a challenger
first begins the challenge of wit he must find his
‘mark’, the target he will set up for the fall. Once he
finds him, the challenger must perform a number of
preparation steps based off his apotheosis step.
Mechanically, he must make a number of skill
checks equal to the required number of preparation
steps. He may only use each skill once, but he
may use them in any order. The list of appropriate
skills includes Bluff, Diplomacy, Disable Device,
Intimidate, Listen, Move Silently, Open Lock,
Perform, Search, Sleight of Hand and Use Rope.
Each success gives the challenger a chance to re-
roll a failed skill check in the second stage. If the
challenger succeeds at the majority of these skill
checks he succeeds at this challenge stage.

As the challenger makes his skill checks he must

Challenge of Wit describe exactly what he is setting up. These
The final challenge, the challenge of wit, requires
descriptions feed into stage two, giving the challenger
more than just grim determination on the part of
resources to work with as he enacts his plan.
the challenger. No, a challenge of wit demands the
challenger demonstrate his style, talent and panache
Hitting the Mark (Stage Two): Once the challenger
in front of the entire universe. Any challenger, with
completes his plan from stage one he must execute it.
sufficient preparation, can overcome the simple tasks.
As he moves forward towards his goal he encounters
Only a true wit, one armed
with an ironic appreciation for Challenge of Wit
the universe and everything Apotheosis Stage One: Required Stage Two: Number of Skill
it contains, can possibly do Level Preparation Steps Complications Check DC
so with enough flare to truly
Mortal 5 1 38
complete the challenge.
Aspirant 5 2 42
In a challenge of wit the Wielder 7 3 46
challenger receives a mission Illuminated 7 4 50
to steal something, usually Immortal 9 5 54

223
CHALLENGES
a number of complications (usually Immortals in the
impediment role) sabotaging his efforts. He must
overcome these complications in order to continue.
If he overcomes the majority of these obstacles he
succeeds at this stage even if he fails to reach his
mark.
The Final Flourish (Stage Three): The challenger
enacts a final, elaborate prank on his way out the
door with whatever bauble, artefact or sacred
treasure he makes off with. This is entirely Apotheosis Step
a style thing; the rest of the party judges the Title/Step of
event from one to ten aiming for a total score Apotheosis
over seven. Aspirant
Wielder
Structural Variations Illuminated
This challenge does not require any special Immortal
rules or modifications to function as a quest, Transcendent
test or trial. It is more about style than
mechanics.
Snatching the Heart of Dawn
Type: Quest
Described Apotheosis Level: Illuminated
Skill Check DC: 50
Stage One: Required Preparation Steps: 7
Stage Two: Number of Complications: 4
In this traditional challenge of the lords of trickery
the Immortal must enter the Hall of the Sun, slip
deep inside it, snatch up one of the golden baubles
that light some uninhabited world, then escape. The
lords are considerably more amused if the Immortal
can snatch the lord of the sun’s pants on the way
out.
Facing a Great
Challenge
When an Immortal achieves enough victories by
overcoming standard challenges he can essay a Great
Challenge. This Great Challenge does not provide
the character with a victory, but does allow him to
progress to the next apotheosis stage. However, if
the challenger fails a Great Challenge he does not
simply fail to get a victory. Instead he loses his grip
on apotheosis, returning to a mortal life.
224
Qualifying for a Great
Challenge
As discussed in The Path of Immortality, an
Immortal receives one victory for each successful
challenge. When he accumulates three victories at
his current step he qualifies for a Great Challenge.
If he overcomes this Great Challenge he advances to
the next apotheosis step.
Great
Victories Challenges Aura
1-3 0 0 + 1 per Victory
3-6 1 5 + 1 per Victory
6-9 2 10 + 2 per Victory
9-12 3 15 + 2 per Victory
12 4 30 + 3 per Victory
This table can be somewhat complex to read. A
narrative description of it reads as follows:
An Aspirant must have three victories to qualify to
essay a Great Challenge. If he successfully completes
the Great Challenge he becomes a Wielder.
Similarly, when a Wielder gains six victories he may
essay a Great Challenge. Should he successfully
complete it he becomes one of the Illuminated.
The Illuminated may essay a great challenge after
they gain nine victories. Once he successfully
completes it he becomes one of the Immortals, a
being just a hair’s breadth removed from godhead.
An Immortal may essay a final Great Challenge after
he achieves twelve victories. If he completes this
final Great Challenge he Transcends into godhood.
Results of a Great Challenge
Immediately upon the successful completion of the
Great Challenge the challenger advances to the next
apotheosis step. His Aura increases appropriately,
increasing the resources he can invest in his powers.
He may also become eligible for more complex
duties within the Immortal hierarchy, as described in
The Immortal World.
If the challenger fails to successfully complete the
Great Challenge he becomes a mortal, losing all
covenants, gifts, taps and other Immortal abilities.
He retains his mortal class levels and his magical or
mundane equipment. An Immortal stripped of his

powers will usually finds old crows coming home
to roost as his enemies step in to deal with their
suddenly weakened foe.
Requesting a Great Challenge
Once an Immortal reaches the appropriate number of
victories he may request a Great Challenge from the
gods. If he does not request a Great Challenge the
gods will likely not give him one, although they may
place one in his path if they find him particularly
worthy.
Once the Immortal requests a Great Challenge the
gods have one year to respond. They must arrange
the challenge within that year’s time, although
they do not have to inform the Immortal of their
intentions. The Immortal will immediately recognise
the opening stage of the
225
CHALLENGES
Great Challenge, without making a skill check, by
the omens and portents surrounding the event.
Many Immortals, especially those of Illuminated or
true Immortal stature, will not issue a request for a
Great Challenge. Over the centuries or millennia
of their existence they have become content with
their place and their power. To risk everything on
the chance for greater power simply does not occur
to them. Younger Immortals, especially those with
adventuring backgrounds, tend to display a more
reckless attitude during their first few centuries but
then settle down into the conservative approach so
favoured by those with an infinite amount of time on
their hands.
Constructing a
Great Challenge
When the Immortal requests
a Great Challenge the Games
Master may build one by taking
three to five of the challenge
structures presented above and
stringing them together into
a quest or trial of interlaced
challenges. The beginning stage
of the first challenge informs the
Immortal of the difficulties he
will face, while the end stage
of each challenge leads the
Immortal to the next difficulty.
Immortal roles invoked for the
Great Challenge persist across
all of the component challenges.
Thus, an antagonist called to
service by the gods for a Great
Challenge acts as the Immortal’s
antagonist for the duration
of the Great Challenge. He
must expend considerable
resources establishing the
conditions for the challenge
while also putting himself in
danger multiple times in order
to satisfy his lord’s whims.
Advocates, assistants and all of
the other roles find themselves
in a similar position: they must
expend their own resources and
time in order to act out their
parts.
 CHALLENGES

Players, Characters and Immortal Roles

Even if a character is not bound by a covenant quest term to perform a role in a challenge he may still have to
fill such a role at the request of his granting powers. Although failure to execute this role does not technically
count as a violation of the Immortal’s covenant terms it does annoy the granting powers, making them less
likely to assist the Immortal in the future.

An interesting set of adventures could take place when one or more characters in an adventuring party
find themselves called to take part in a challenge for one of their enemies. A particularly sadistic Games
Master could introduce even more complications by forcing the some of the Immortals into helpful roles
while allowing the rest of the party to act as impediments. One lucky adventurer, usually the one with the
greatest grudge, could become the antagonist. In this latter case the character must decide if he will break
the challenge terms (which does technically violate his covenant once he accepts the role) to get back at his
hated enemy.

Competing in the Great
Challenge
As the challenger moves through the Great
Challenge he accumulates success and failures. The
advantages provided by a one of the challenge steps
in the Great Challenge persist throughout the Great
Challenge as well.
Passing a Great Challenge
If the challenger succeeds at the majority of the
Great Challenge steps (half the total number rounded
down +1) he passes the challenge. Even if he will
pass the Great Challenge he still must complete all of
the steps, ignoring any statements in the individual
challenge steps stating otherwise.
Once the challenger completes the last Great
Challenge step he ascends to his new apotheosis
step.
Failing a Great Challenge
If the challenger fails to complete the majority of the
Great Challenge steps (half the total number rounded
up +1) he fails the Great Challenge. At this point the
following things happen to the former Immortal:
There is a 50% chance that the former Immortal
loses his memories but not his character class
levels or class abilities. In this case the shock of
transitioning back into a mortal form drives the
character temporarily insane. He will regain his
memories over the next 1d4 months.
Abandoning a Great Challenge
If a challenger realises he cannot successfully
complete a Great Challenge he may attempt to
escape from it. In order to do so he must die during
one of the encounters. When he restores himself
to life (or is restored by his friends) he suffers the
following additional problems:
† He has zero Aura. His Aura returns at a rate of
one point per month.
† He has one Hit Point. This damage cannot be
restored through magical means or the use of
Immortal gifts.
† He cannot cast spells.
† His Strength, Dexterity and Constitution are all
reduced to eight. He cannot restore them through
magical means or Immortal gifts but will heal
naturally given enough time.

† He loses all gifts and all abilities or items related

to his gifts. Where are the example Great
† He loses his Immortal Aura. Challenges?
† He is reset to zero victories. Each of the paths described in From Aspiration
† He returns to his original creature type if he to Transcendence has one example Great
possessed a gift changing that type. Challenge associated with it.

He does not lose his abilities, class levels, feats,

racial abilities or skill points.

226

The Immortal World
T Immortal
he previous six chapters lay out the powers
a character draws, how they affect him,
what abilities they give him and the process
by which he becomes Immortal. However, in a
world past its first age of mortality, the would-
be Immortal does not walk alone. Hundreds,
perhaps thousands of heroes and villains have
come before him, all seeking eternal life and the
power of the gods. These men and women form
a society of power separate from that of mortals
and gods, as they stand somewhere in between
the two.
These Immortals present the would-be Immortal
with both his greatest threats and his greatest
source of assistance. They already know the path
to immortality, its pitfalls and its risks. At the
same time, over the thousands of years of their
existence, the Immortals have created their own
societies, alliances, rivalries and petty jealousies
matching anything found in the mortal world.
This idea of a separate society, however, does not
address the open questions about how Immortals
interface with the so-called ‘mortal world’. A
single Immortal of Wielder or higher level can turn
the fate of a nation if he so chooses. Therefore,
are all of the kingdoms ruled by Immortals? If
not, why not? What forces, rules and groups
prevent the Immortals from simply dominating
the universe?
Along the same line of thought, although
Immortals pose the greatest threat they are not
the only one. Mortals, armed with free will
and considerable magical power, can be just as
dangerous to an unwary Immortal. For every
power the Immortals take up there stands a
mortal ready to exploit the situation for his own
gain. These mortals, referred to by Immortals as
predators, use the rites woven into the world in its
youth to gain Immortal powers by draining them
from true Immortals, thereby avoiding the loss of
their own free will.
227
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
Organisation
The very first Immortals entered into their altered
state facing a blank slate. They had to cope with
their covenants and the limitations placed on them
by their taps, but could act as they wished outside
of that scope. As others followed them on the
path to immortality, though, they quickly found
they needed to establish some kind of hierarchy.
Chaos is both an excellent concept and a powerful
mythic force, but the powers Immortals wield
force them to find some kind of balance among
their different viewpoints or they could destroy
both themselves and the world.
These first Immortals, whoever they were within
the campaign world, established the basic rules by
which Immortals engage with one another. They
also built the organisations and alliances that both
keep Immortals in check and provide them with
the resources they need to survive.
Traditions of the Immortals
These shadowy first Immortals established
traditions intended to keep their kind from tearing
the world apart. These traditions do not carry the
force of law but do have the respect of even the
most corrupt Immortal creature. An Immortal
who ignores them will quickly find that he cannot
get support from his own kind, a dangerous
position to be in when the world turns against
him.
The traditions are:
Respect those who came before: Immortals who
walk a path to immortality should offer respect and
in some cases service, to the Immortals of higher
apotheosis steps. These Immortals not only hold
considerably more power than the youngsters but
they also have radically different understandings
of the world. They, quite literally, see things the
younger Immortals cannot see and know things
they cannot know. This respect does not have to
extend to obedience although it often will when
the Immortals swear service to the lords of law or
tap into mythic law for their own ends.
THE IMMORTAL WORLD

Help your brothers who come after you:

Immortals who walk a traditional path to
immortality are expected to assist those of
lesser rank when and as they can. A greater
Immortal does not have to intercede in every
petty little problem the younger Immortals
get themselves involved with, but they are
expected to help them in matters of life
and death. This help could mean as little
as offering a bit of wise counsel to as much
as marshalling a force to assist a fellow
Immortal in claiming his rightful powers.

Oppose but do not destroy: Immortals,

much like the gods themselves, must deal
with the reality that good and evil, law and
chaos, exist as part of the universe. To
destroy one of the great mythic powers
would, in the end, unravel the universe
and destroy everything within it.
Whether Immortals like it or not they
cannot engage in an effort to totally
stamp out one of the great mythic
forces. Of course, given that most
Immortals can ignore the death of
their mortal shells, what exactly
counts as ‘opposition’ rather than
destruction remains open to lively debate.
transformation of the self involving expanded
Obey the hierarchy of being: Mortals, other than
perceptions and altered states of being lesser
mortal heroes, rarely consort with Immortals.
creatures cannot comprehend.
Immortals encourage this separation by avoiding
situations where mortals might accidentally
As described in The Path to Immortality each
discover their presence. They do this for several
apotheosis step has its own title. These titles
reasons, but the most pressing is simply that
are Aspirant, Wielder, Illuminated, Immortal and
mortals cannot understand what Immortals see
Transcendent. These titles combine with any role
and encounter every day. Even the greatest
titles the Immortal picks up from his covenant and
mystic in the world remains mortal. He therefore
with descriptive adjectives associated with the
retains a freedom of choice unimaginable to an
Immortal’s taps drawn from the tap descriptions.
Immortal of any standing.
These titles generally follow the format: (Step)
Immortal Rank and Titles (Role), with adjectives inserted as necessary to
Immortals, much like mortals and gods, put great make the title unique to the character.
store on rank and title. However, unlike mortals,
Immortals have clearly defined ranks at which Example: an Illuminated Immortal named Jerald
they can physically and spiritually experience who has a covenant with the lords of war and
the differences between one another: apotheosis. good might call himself: Jerald the Illuminated
Each stage of apotheosis is not just a transition in General of the Shining Hosts. Other similar
terms of the character’s power but also a profound combinations are possible.

228

Immortals use their title and the implied rank,
much the same way mortals do: to impress and to
overawe an individual they interact with. These
titles become particularly important when the
Immortal deals with other Immortals on the same
path as himself; they establish where the Immortal
stands on his path and therefore the behaviour he
can expect from others.
Immortal Hosts
Immortals, like both gods and mortals, organise
themselves into social groups. However, unlike
mortal or deific social groups, an Immortal
associates himself with a particular organisation
when he chooses his path to immortality. The
moment he sets foot onto the path he selects
himself into a group of Immortals and gains access
to not only their resources but responsibility for
dealing with their enemies.
Types of Immortal Hosts
The Immortal hosts tend to fall into the following
categories:
Army: The immortal host is organised to battle
an enemy of some sort. Armies are generally
aligned with one or two of the four great mythic
powers. Worlds exist where there are eight paths
to Immortality and eight armies of Immortals
standing guard over those paths. Armies
generally support other armies of the same or
similar alignments but organise strikes against
the others.
An Immortal army will provide new members
with a great deal of assistance in terms of
information, logistics and resources. In return, it
expects the new Immortals to stand on the front
lines, waging a war that may stretch back to the
dawn of time. If the Immortal does not do as his
elders ‘ask’ he may find further challenges, and
the wellsprings he needs access to in order to
advance barred to him.
Collation: The immortal host is a loose affiliation
with disparate interests, bound together only
by their interest in Immortality. A collation
of Immortals usually forms around a path to
Immortality dealing exclusively with taps into
229
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
abstract or elemental powers. Collations rarely
if ever meet; members are therefore expected to
fend for themselves.
Many collations meet once a decade in a great
convocation in order to exchange information and
ideas. Some invite mortal magicians to speak at
their convocations. Others hold them in secret so
as to avoid any possibility of danger. Regardless
of the Immortal’s decision a convocation within
an area generally attracts a great deal of attention
from mortal magicians and various other powers.
Court: The Immortal host is organised like
a feudal court, with a single great Immortal
(usually a Transcendent who used a gift to remain
behind) granting access to wellsprings and further
challenges to advance the lesser members. These
courts generally stretch back into the misty
prehistory of the world, when the gods still
worked day and night to ensure the stability of
the weave.
An Immortal court, especially one with a rival
court, operates much like a mortal nation. It
jealously guards its resources (wellsprings) and
organises treaties between itself and other similar
groups. All of the Immortals who walk the court’s
source path must participate in it. If they choose
not to they will never gain access to the court’s
wellsprings or receive their assistance in finding
challenges.
Community: The Immortal host is a town or
village of Immortals with their own needs and
wants. These communities usually exist on planar
boundaries or in extremely remote parts of the
mortal world. The Immortals who live there each
invest a small portion of their power to prevent
anyone from trespassing. Mortal trespassers are
usually dealt with harshly; Immortals or gods
will face the full wrath of a roused group of
Immortals.
Immortal communities tend towards a quiet,
contemplative existence. The Immortals who
live there have chosen to opt out of both mortal
and Immortal society and do not look favourably
on those who would try to drag them back into
either.
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
Immortals and the Grant of
Power
Underlying the structure of Immortal society is
a simple, harsh truth: the stronger an Immortal
becomes the more responsibilities he gains
and the more powers he has to discharge these
responsibilities, but his personal power will rarely
be enough to meet his needs. In order to discharge
his responsibilities the Immortal needs help from
others of his kind, both in simple logistical terms
and in terms of loans of metaphysical power.
Mechanically, each member of a group of
Immortals can freely give to another a number
of Aura points equal to their total number of
victories. The Immortal must give this gift of
Aura to an Immortal he can physically touch. He
must also touch the target character to retrieve
it. There is no limit to the number of Immortals
who can gift an Immortal with a portion of their
power.
230
This ability has a profound impact on the
organisation of Immortal society. For example,
Immortal armies and courts often force their
members to give at least one point of Aura
per apotheosis step to the commander or ruler.
Collations do not require any such thing, but
do expect that Immortals share their Aura in
order to attain things of interest to both parties.
Communities will usually request that any
Immortal wishing to stay in the area for more
than a few decades give a ‘gift of the self’ to the
community defender in the form of at least ¼ of
their Aura.
Groups of Immortals working to achieve specific
goals can use this ability to appoint a ‘champion’
from among their number who carries a great
portion of their power. This champion, though,
needs to possess that most dangerous of qualities:
trustworthiness. More than one group of
Immortals has fallen prey to an elder Immortal
who agreed to help them, took their Aura and
then ran into the deepest voids never to be seen or
heard on that plane of existence again.

Immortal Hosts and Deific
Courts
Immortals who sign covenants with the gods are,
by default, members of the deific courts. In a
young world this means very little as the gods have
not yet established their rivalries and incestuous
allegiances. However, in older worlds with highly
established pantheons an Immortal involved in a
covenant relationship can spend almost all of his
time dealing with politics involving outsiders,
gods and the intricate entanglements linking both
to the mortal world.
When an Immortal belongs to an Immortal Host
the complexity of these situations increases
exponentially. Armies and courts in particular do
not always align themselves with a particular god
or gods. In fact, they may directly oppose gods
that some of their members are sworn to serve.
In this case the Immortal will have to make a
decision about whether or not he wishes to risk
his covenant relationships or anger an organised
and very aggressive group of Immortals, who
could hunt him down and hang his undying body
from chains over a fathomless pit.
Immortals,
Challenges and the
Mortal World
Games Masters, especially those with established
campaigns, who wish to use these rules need to
come up with a way to introduce them without
completely breaking established continuity. The
sudden appearance of wellsprings, gods who grant
covenants, allegiances where clerics or the ill can
call up Immortal assistance, not to mention the
Immortals themselves, can easily upset anything
remotely resembling world balance.
Challenges give the Games Master a powerful,
effective tool to introduce all of these elements
one at a time. When a would-be Immortal gets
involved with his first challenge he may not have
any idea what is going on. The epic scope and feel
of the challenge does not have to hit the characters
all at once. They can start on the challenge just
as they would any adventure, perhaps with just a
231
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
bit more emphasis on one of the characters than
normal. Only after the characters become deeply
involved with the challenge, fighting their way to
a long-forgotten wellspring of holy power, does it
become obvious that things were not, in fact, what
they seemed. In that moment, as the challenge
comes to its shattering climax, the new Immortal
comes face to face with his destiny.
That destiny carries with it a host of new
information and dangers. Characters used
to considering their actions just within the
scope of the mortal realm become part of the
intricate alliances binding the mortal, Immortal
and celestial/infernal worlds together. Their
first tentative steps into this world mirror the
confusion and uncertainty present in the players;
both are taking the opportunity to learn a radically
new and different world.
The challenge structures also give the Games
Master a chance to foreshadow his intention to
include Immortality in his game. A little work
can quickly create a half-dozen ‘legends’ for a
game world out of a handful of challenges. These
stories, given to the players in bits through the
course of five or eight sessions, can establish a
sense of recognition in the players when they find
themselves on their first challenge.
Similarly, the characters’ first encounter with an
Immortal does not have to be with one of the
great Illuminated or Immortals. An Aspirant
is not that different from any mortal. If one of
the characters’ campaign-level enemies were to
become an Aspirant with the Rise from the Ashes
gift he would become, in effect, an unkillable
thorn in the characters’ side. Their investigation
into why this individual would not stay dead
could, in turn, lead them to a desire to gather
Immortal power to themselves.
Predators
As described in the Gifts chapter, there exist
groups of mortals who, unlike the standard
character, have considerable knowledge of the
Immortals and their ways. However, these
mortals do not worship the Immortals or wish
to help them. Instead they work to capture
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
Immortals and drain their powers for mortal use.
These groups are not necessarily evil, although
most lack a certain morality or the ‘weakness’ of
mercy.
These groups are: consumers, drinkers, sycophants
and thieves. The fifth kind of Immortal predator,
shadows, occur when the Immortal abuses his
power gifts, and are fully described in the Gifts
chapter (pg. 172).
Consumers
Immortals use the term consumers to refer to all
of those people who have learned how to consume
a ritually prepared portion of Immortal flesh in
order to share in the Immortal’s powers. Unlike
when an Immortal uses his Infusion skill to grant
a mortal his powers, the process of consumption
is not a willing one. The consumers do not ask
the Immortal for his permission or beg him for
a boon. Instead they steal into the Immortal’s
chambers in the dead of night, lay an ambush for
232
him or in some other way trick him into giving
himself into their power. Then they treat him like
some kind of superior form of animal, carving out
hunks of his flesh in order to grant themselves
greater powers.
Immortals like to think that consumers are a by-
gone product of a long-forgotten age. However,
in truth consumer cults continue to entrap
Immortals even in the world’s ‘modern age’.
After all, a consumer cult promises all mortals
something they desire: great power without the
need for sacrifice.
Consumer cults are generally led by powerful,
evil magicians who have little regard for mortal
or Immortal life. They are not, however, willing
to risk their own lives on the path to immortality.
Most capture no more than one or two Immortals,
though rumours persist of a cult that has captured
at least two Transcendent beings. If this latter
group exists they may well wield powers far
beyond anything imaginable in
the mortal world.
Drinkers
As mortals’ understanding of
the arcane arts evolved they
developed means of draining
an Immortal more sophisticated
than simply cooking and eating
his flesh. The pinnacle of these
methods, the rites of drinking
deep of another’s soul allows a
magician or group of magicians
to bind an Immortal in a specific
place (usually a magical circle
or glass orb) and draw his Aura
forth. This Aura then strengthens
the magician’s magic, effectively
catapulting his magical power to
a whole new level.
Drinkers, like their less
sophisticated consumer cousins,
organise themselves into cults.
These cults focus on increasing
their members’ power in a wide
variety of ways including social
manipulation, the sacrifice of

others to various dark powers and, of course,
drinking in Immortal’s souls. The cult will
rarely attempt this latter activity without careful
preparation. After all, if they try and fail to
capture a powerful Immortal they have both
exposed themselves and made a very dangerous
enemy.
Drinker cults are extremely common in magical
academies and universities across all worlds. It is
a short step from studying the world of magic to
the hubris required to bind another being to your
eternal service.
Sycophants
Although the first two groups – consumers and
drinkers – appear in packs, sycophants can
afford a more subtle approach. In fact, they look
much like any other outsider or other creature
an Immortal might call as part of a numen gift.
They act just like normal numen for the duration
of their service, even laying down their lives if
called upon to do so. However, all the while the
sycophant works his devilish magic in preparation
for that fateful day when the Immortal attempts to
release him.
Each sycophant has learned, usually from a
mentor, the not-so-subtle art of holding an
Immortal’s Aura within himself once the Immortal
grants it. No matter how hard the Immortal tries,
he cannot retrieve his Aura through any means
short of killing the sycophant. Unfortunately
this act will pose more complications than the
Immortal might like, as the spirit now not only
has its own strength but all of the strength the
Immortal lent it. Furthermore the creature will,
quite happily, flee to the furthest corners of the
universe rather than give up the fragments of
power it now wields.
Immortals not affected by one of these traitorous
spirits can sometimes appreciate the guiding
irony of their lives. These creatures steal power
from an Immortal in order to set themselves up
as minor gods among their own kind. However,
in so doing they earn the enmity of powers that
could drive them far from the fields they know
and into the vast chaos of the planes. Whether
233
THE IMMORTAL WORLD
the power truly justifies the price depends on the
spirit and his ability to achieve his goals before
the inevitable end.
Thieves
Thieves, like sycophants, usually work alone.
However, a thief does not have to learn esoteric
secrets passed on from time out of mind. Instead,
he relies on that simplest of methods for gaining
something he wants, first developed by mortals
shortly after they learned how to use their hands
– he steals it. Artefacts of all kinds can be easily
dominated, tricked and bamboozled by a talented
mortal mind. By the time the artefact understands
what is really going on the thief could be several
planes away from its master, laughing as he trades
or wields it for his own nefarious ends.
Stealing from an Immortal, especially one of
any stature, carries with it a host of risks. These
risks, unfortunately, just seem to drive thieves on.
Nothing excites them quite as much as knowing
that their mark could destroy them at a moment’s
notice. If the Immortal makes a particular display
of his powers it just makes the final pay off all the
sweeter.
Thieves generally fall into two categories: those
looking for power and those looking for a thrill.
If an Immortal falls prey to the latter type he
may see his stolen property again in relatively
short order. After the moment of the theft the
thrill-seeker quickly loses interest in the object.
However, the first kind of thief will do everything
in his power to maintain his illicit possession of
the stolen artefact. Unless the artefact itself can
find its way back to the Immortal he may not see
it again for a mortal lifetime or two. In some
cases this loss matters little. In others, when the
Immortal has invested half or more of his Aura
into the artefact, it can represent a devastating
loss leaving him vulnerable to his enemies and
his erstwhile friends alike.
 ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE
Aspiration to
Transcendence
T Damnation
his chapter lays out six potential paths to
immortality. Each path contains a short story
about the path, a recommended sequence
of challenges and an example great challenge for
a character walking along it. Some of these paths
model a particular sequence in literature or world
mythology while others cover standard d20 tropes.
The six paths presented here include:
† Damnation: A path including both taps into
mythic evil and covenants with dark gods in which
the Immortal becomes an avatar of darkness in
return for power and eternal life.
† Path of the God King: A path in which the
Immortal makes a covenant with the people of his
land. In return for their power and immortality he
agrees to protect them from all ills.
† Path of the Darkest Night: A path allowing a
mortal to gain eternal life by infusing his body
with negative energy.
† Path of Flame and Fortune: A path dedicated
to the draconic progression from adulthood into
Immortality.
† Steps from Grove To Grove: The elfin path of
power, in which an elven magician steps up to
become an Immortal avatar of his people.
† Way of Harmony: A druidic path in which the
would-be Immortal places his life and power in the
hands of the world’s spirits.
The Games Master should feel free to alter the story
information provided with each path to fit his existing
game world. If he would prefer a different take and
‘feel’ for a path, he can change specific challenges
and even the entire progressive structure.
Aspiration to Transcendence in a
Paragraph
Immortals tend to fall into various traditional
archetypes, closely related to the alignments,
classes and races presented in standard d20.
The six paths presented here demonstrate how
to ‘encode’ all three of these standard categories
into path structures creating legendary
Immortals.
234
For some mortals, the allure of personal power
outweighs all other considerations. They will do
anything, say anything and slay anyone in order to
meet their craving. They may claim more benevolent
motives like a desire to help their families or a need to
prove their worth in the world, but in truth their need
for power borders on addiction. Regardless of what
they accomplish and whom they slay they can never
have enough.
This addiction leads some mortals to the path of
damnation, a way to Immortality born out of mortals’
right to choose evil as well as good. Established
during the first days by the beings that would become
the demon lords, it seems to lead to great power and
personal satisfaction. However, in the end it does not
lead to apotheosis but instead to eternal slavery at the
hands of evil’s erstwhile masters.
Some of the Damned, as the Immortals who walk
this path call themselves, realise their plight before
it becomes too late. They drink deeply of powers
outside of damnation’s scope then turn those powers
back on their lords. When they fully break free they
can become like the gods themselves, only seeped in
corruption far deeper than anything demons or deities
could imagine.
Challenges on the Path
The path of damnation moves through the following
challenges:
Description
A mortal’s damnation and his service to the demon
gods of old, begins when he slaughters his family and
closest relatives despite the opposition presented by
the forces of good. If he dedicates this heinous deed
to the powers of evil they will reward him with eternal
youth.
As he asks for more power they, in their infinite
wisdom, offer him further opportunities to prove his
worth to their cause. The Immortal, though, has long
since passed the point where they ask for little things.
For example, their fifth challenge to the Immortal’s
worth, the Demonstration of Loyalty, forces the
 ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

Damnation
Recommended
Challenge Step Name Challenge of: Result Gift
1 A Sacrifice of Things Destruction (family), Quest, Covenant: Eternal Youth
Held Dear Sponsored Evil 1
2 Led Into Temptation Conversion (good to evil), Test, Covenant: Wonder Artefact
Sponsored Evil 2
3 Only the Strongest May Steel, Trial, Sponsored Covenant: Champion’s
Pass Chaos 1 Wisdom
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Corruption of the Truth Judgement, Quest, Sponsored Covenant: Call Evil Outsider
Evil 3 Advisor
5 Demonstration of Loyalty Endurance, Test, Sponsored Covenant: Call Evil Outsider
Chaos 2 Champion
6 Commander of the Lost Leadership, Quest, Sponsored Covenant Shadowed Soul
Evil 4
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Confirmed in Evil The Mirror, Sponsored Covenant: Lord of Evil
Evil 5
Immortal to stand in a cage of iron bars, with spikes Challenge Order: Challenge of Conversion (neutral
pointed at his body, while demons take the form of his good to chaotic evil, virgin humanoid), Challenge
former lovers and family in order to inflict a thousand of Creation (spear of virgin’s bones), Challenge of
unimaginable degradations upon him. the Hunt (targeting an evil Wielder in the Damned’s
hierarchy)
During each test the Damned Immortal takes on
further responsibility for maintaining evil’s reign. For Lajos must hunt down and kill one of the Damned
example, during the fourth challenge, the Corruption ahead of him in the hierarchy (challenge of the hunt,
of the Truth, the Immortal must remove a judge and targeting a Wielder with four victories). For the
corrupt the steady progress of justice so that it causes duration of the hunt both Immortals will not be able
the most harm. By the time the Immortal completes to harm one another except with spears made from
this path he will not only be a corrupt spirit but his the bones of virgins (challenge of creation for the
name will be cursed for a thousand generations Aspirant, gifted to the Wielder target). In order to
because of the deeds he has wrought in the world. insure the spear’s proper creation the Aspirant must
first corrupt the virgin’s heart by leading her to the
Despite his great power, no single demon lord wields edge of a wanton life then slaying her with his own
sufficient power to lead a mortal to apotheosis. Once hands (challenge of conversion).
he leads the Immortal through a challenge in which
he faces and rejects his hope of salvation, the demon
lord can carry his servant no further. However, he Path of the God-King
may attempt to trick the Immortal into believing he Over the centuries many kings, not all of them evil,
has further powers to grant; after all, an Immortal have attempted to convince their people of their
slave is a useful thing when one wishes to dominate divinity. They do this for a wide variety of reasons: a
the world. desire for stability, a need for personal power and the
knowledge that a god can unify a people where a man
cannot. In a world full of magic it takes very little to
An Aspirant’s Great Challenge impress the uneducated masses though scholars and
After surviving his third challenge, the high priest demons will almost certainly know better.
Lajos is ready to challenge for a higher place in the
Hierarchy of the Damned. After considering the Sometimes, through luck and happenstance, a king
character’s background and the player’s abilities the becomes the focal point for his people’s collective
Games Master poses the following Great Challenge: belief and power. In a single moment he becomes
more than mortal: he becomes a god-king in truth.

235
ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

The problem with being a god-king, though, is
that the people come to expect his assistance. A
mortal king pretending through the use of magic to
wield divine powers retains his free will. A god-
king, having begun the transition from mortality to
something greater, cannot refuse the people’s call.
His essential nature demands that he lay down his life
in their cause; fortunately their belief will raise him
up from the ashes should he fall.
Most god-kings eventually supplement their powers
with taps into the mythic powers their people hold
dear. This growing relationship with primal forces
can lead the god-king to Transcendence, after which
he becomes his nation’s patron god. If this happens
often enough the nation may, in time, establish its
own national pantheon of powers dedicated to its
expanding fortunes.
Description
In many worlds the ruler of a kingdom claims his
position through ‘divine right’. That is, he claims the
gods have anointed his rule and that therefore he has
both the right and the responsibility to rule the people.
The ruler goes on to claim a special relationship with
the gods, a relationship that allows him to intercede
with the gods for his people’s good.
In some worlds this is true; the gods really do lend
their strength to their chosen rulers. In others, the
ruler is simply a magician or has access to charlatans
capable of awing the uneducated with dazzling
displays of engineering skill. However, in worlds
with both magic and gods there arises another
possibility. The possibility that a ruler might so
capture the imagination of his people that they make
him a larger-than-life symbol, fed by the magic of
their souls and the power of their own imaginations.
When this happens the ruler begins to walk down the
path of the god-king. His first hesitant step down this
road almost always comes by blind luck as fortune
manoeuvres the appropriate events into play. Once
he becomes an Immortal, though, the gods begin
to take a hand. Each step down the path from then
on becomes a torturous journey through the sadistic
minds of bored divine beings who sometimes, but not
always, have the ruler’s best interests at heart. That
their efforts lead to the ruler’s deeper bond with the
national spirit is an irony not lost on the divinities in
question.
Eventually the god-king will reach the end of the
power his nation can give him. At that time he has
a choice: to continue on the path to immortality
through other means or to rule his kingdom forever.
What choice he makes and how he lives with the
ramifications, can change the fate of mortal nations
forever.
A Wielder’s Great Challenge
Tara, the god-queen ruling the mountain nation of
Kusinstan, has finally completed the proof of ancient
right by standing under the great waterfall and lifting
the cask of the ancient kings in her arms. As she
recovers from her ordeal she also issues a call for a
Great Challenge. The Games Master then prepares
the following for her:

The Path of the God King

Challenge Step Name Challenge of: Result Recommended Gift
1 Raise up the People Leadership, Luck Covenant: Rise from the Ashes
Nation 1
2 Proof of Conviction Faith, Sponsored Covenant: Heroic Destiny
Nation 2
3 Meditations Upon the Will, Sponsored Covenant: People’s Champion
Throne Nation 3
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Forging the Destiny of a Creation, Sponsored Covenant: Weapon Artefact
Nation Nation 4
5 A Day of History Judgement, Sponsored Covenant: Eternal Youth
Nation 5
6 Proof of an Ancient Right Strength, Sponsored Covenant: Call Neutral Undead
Nation 6 Companion
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Assumption of the Mantle Leadership, Sponsored Covenant: Golden Skin
of Truth Nation 7

236
 ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

Challenge Order: Challenge of Leadership Path of Darkest

(overcome an invasion from the plane of fire),
Challenge of Conversion (evil fire elemental enemy
into good aligned friend), Challenge of Steel
(overcome the champions of the king of the plane of
elemental fire)
In her early days Tara interfered with the plans laid
by the salamander king. Now, her people will have
to pay the price for her hubris. The king launches
an offensive into her kingdom through portals buried
deep under her lands. She must first fend them
off (challenge of leadership) then turn one of his
war-chiefs into her ally (challenge of conversion).
Once she does that, she can issue a challenge to the
king, so that they settle their disputes in tournament
rather than open war (challenge of steel). If she can
overcome the salamander king in open combat she
will ascend to the next stage of apotheosis.
Night
Some men, driven by a need for personal power,
swear their souls into the service of dark gods and
even darker causes. However, when they do so they
must swear their loyalty and service to beings whose
motivations do not always match up with their own.
Those mortals of more independent spirit, unwilling
to sacrifice so much of their freedom in return for
power, often seek out a darker, more dangerous road.
This road, called the Path of Darkest Night, forces
the would-be Immortal to unlock the bonds placed on
creation’s tools at the dawn of time. With these tools
the Immortal can transform his body and the world
around him to meet his personal needs. With each
transformation he becomes less and less mortal and
more like the gods themselves.

The Path of Darkest Night

Recommended
Challenge Step Name Challenge of: Result Gift
1 Creation of the Dark Heart Creation, Recreation Tap: Negative Frozen Heart
Energy 1
2 Binding the Soul to Power, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Shadow Energy 2
3 Master the Five Dark Insight, Established Tap: Negative N/A
Moons Challenge Energy 3
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Demonstration of Mastery Power, Established Tap: Negative N/A
Challenge Energy 4
5 Holding to the Centre Will, Quest, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Energy 5
6 Master the Seven Bright Insight, Established Tap: Negative N/A
Stars Challenge Energy 6
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Take up the Shadow’s Call Steel, Quest, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Energy 7
8 Shatter the Bonds of the Destruction, Test, Tap: Negative N/A
Law Recreation Energy 8
9 Gathering the Great Creation, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Darkness Energy 9
Great Challenge 3 Designed by Games Master for character
10 Walk the Path of the Stars Mirror, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Energy 10
11 Demonstration of Lordly Power, Recreation Tap: Negative N/A
Might Energy 11
12 Master the Nine Charms Insight, Established Tap: Negative N/A
Challenge Energy 12
Great Challenge 4 Designed by Games Master for character

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ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

Unlike those paths dominated by a single lord, an

Immortal walking the Path of Darkest Night can
use creation’s tools to transform himself into a god.
Doing so, however, requires the Immortal to give up
everything that once bound him to the mortal plane.
Very few creatures, even those driven by insanity
or greed, can push themselves so far. Most cling
to the vestiges of their mortal lives with as much
strength they possibly can, continuing to sample what
pleasures the world still offers.
Description
It was not the gods’ intent that mortal men take up
creation’s tools for their own advantage. In fact, the
gods worked hard to expressly forbid such hubris.
However, the power of free will is such that if a mortal
knows that a thing can be done, he will in time find a
way to do it.
The Path of Darkest Night represents one such
deviation from the accepted structures. Mortal
magicians discovered early in history that not only
could they re-enact the god’s acts at wellsprings
to create tremendous power but that specific
challenges existed already within the world and
by taking them they could even further increase
their already substantial abilities. A few hundred
years of research later mortals had created a book
called ‘The Shining Art of Darkness’ detailing how
to transform oneself from a mortal man into an
immortal creature with power drawn from the force
of endings and boundaries – negative energy itself.
An Illuminated’s Great
Challenge
Hassan, a Wielder of Shadows, spent a decade
recovering from the effort required to create a
prison capable of holding a fragment of the primal
darkness that existed before the gods made the
world (Gathering the Great Darkness, a challenge of
creation). With this tool in hand he invokes a Great
Challenge, hoping for a chance to unleash the hunger
at the heart of the universe.
Challenge Order: Challenge of Power (attain mastery
over the demons of the end), Challenge of Will (retain
control over the demons during the resulting storm),
Challenge of Destruction (destroy the wellspring in
which the gods imprisoned the elder darkness)
Hassan has long been a casual follower of the Cult of
the End and knows many of their mysteries. Taking
his power and his knowledge he sets out to unseal the
bindings holding back the demons whose job it is
to destroy the world during the end days (challenge

The first act of a mortal on this path is to drink a

potion made from the souls of damned creatures
then cut out his own heart, in keeping with how
one of the lords of evil created a vortex of negative
energy within his own body at the dawn of time.
Each further step along the path involves similarly
gruesome rituals, each one modelled on a legendary
activity performed by one of the gods long before
mortals walked the earth. To this day some of
the gods wish to know who among their number
revealed so many of the ancient details to mortals, a
desire that will never be satisfied.

Some mortals call Immortals on this path ‘liches’,

though in truth a lich could also be a much
simpler undead creature with far less power. For
themselves, those who walk this path do not call
themselves anything other than Immortals. They
care little for their brothers on the path and nothing
at all for the mortality they left behind.

238
 ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

of power). Once he gains control of them he will
gather them around himself and move to the hidden
wellspring where the gods chained the lord of the
elder darkness (challenge of will). There he can
unleash them into the wellspring, releasing his god
and hopefully bringing about the destruction of the
world (challenge of destruction).
Path of Flame and
Fortune
Of all the creatures born to the mortal world only
dragons and elves know, without a shadow of a doubt,
they can become gods if they so choose. When the
gods wove the world they deliberately established a
way into the heavens for the elves; the dragons simply
forged one for themselves using their arcane might
and incredible prowess.
The Path of Flame and Fortune is open to all dragons,
regardless of alignment. By ancient agreement
between Nancarus and Yi the two great draconic
courts hold the wellsprings it requires in common.
Guardianship of each wellspring passes from court to
court every century, but anyone with draconic blood
may tap the wellspring so long as they can pass its
challenges.
essay the challenges at all. These dragons live out
their mortal years then pass into history while their
Immortal kin survive forever unchanged.
If a sorcerer or a kobold has draconic blood in his
veins he may demand the right to walk this path in
either of the draconic courts. If he can prove his case
then the dragons will stand aside, allowing him to
take up his place in the flames if he so wishes.
Description
When the gods wove the worlds they intended for
dragons to represent the pinnacle of mortal power.
They gifted them with intelligence, magical might and
the physical strength to rend mountains. However,
their creations did not obey the role given to them.
Taking their incredible power the dragons set out on
their own path, eventually discovering the secrets of
immortality for themselves.
The path they eventually codified guides a dragon of
whatever species from his adulthood into eternity.
The oldest dragons, Nancarus and Yi, followed a
different and considerably harder path toward their
goal. Now, young dragons can confidently look
forward to finding advice and counsel as they advance
towards their inevitable divinity.

Most dragons do not essay the first challenge until Each step along the path of flame and fortune allows
they become adults. A few, in fact, choose never to the young dragon to duplicate not only the actions

The Path of Flame and Fortune

Recommended
Challenge Step Name Challenge of: Result Gift
1 Exposure to the First Flame Endurance, Recreation Tap: Fire 1 NA
2 Holding to the Centre Will, Recreation Tap: Magic 1 NA
3 Passage Through the Wind Grace, Recreation Tap: Fire 2 NA
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Holding Coil on Coil Strength, Recreation Tap: Magic 2 NA
5 Master the Riddles of Fire and Insight, Recreation Tap: Fire 3 NA
Shadow
6 Display of Draconic Might Power, Recreation Tap: Magic 3 NA
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Proof of the Ancient Truth Faith, Recreation Tap: Fire 4 NA
8 Blood the Talons Hunt, Recreation Tap: Fire 5 NA
9 One Against the Strength of Steel, Recreation Tap: Fire 6 NA
Many
Great Challenge 3 Designed by Games Master for character
10 Hold up the World Strength, Recreation Tap: Magic 4 NA
11 Race Against the Winds Grace, Recreation Tap: Magic 5 NA
12 Make the World that Could Be Will, Recreation Tap: Magic 6 NA
Great Challenge 4 Designed by Games Master for character

239
ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

of the gods, but also the actions of the great dragons
who became gods themselves. As they emulate these
ancestral heroes the dragons give homage to their
gods in the only way they know how: through blood
and fire.
An Aspirant’s Great Challenge
After recovering from his Passage Through the Wind
(challenge of grace) the bronze dragon Deiga issues
a Great Challenge. The dragons that came before
respond by sending him the following task:
Challenge Order: Challenge of Strength (hollow out
a mountain), Challenge of Leadership (dominate a
kobold people), Challenge of Power (set the bounds
of the new kingdom)
Deiga must go to the great mountains in the heart
of his desert home. There, he must carve out of
the mountain’s heart a cave suitable for his own
lair, hauling the stones away one by one (challenge
of strength). He must then become the leader of
the kobold tribes, unifying them against the great
threats coming up from the darkness below the world
(challenge of leadership). Once he does so, he may
lay down the bounds of his new kingdom, forging
patterns of power other dragons must both fear and
respect (challenge of power).
Steps from Grove to
Grove
When the gods wove the world they granted their
favoured people, the elves, a way to physically ascend
into the purity of divine essence. This path, called in
literature the Steps from Grove to Grove, leads the
once-mortal elf into a deeper understanding both of
magic’s place and of its limits in the world. Each
step along the path forces the elf to shed his mortal
limitations while he gains further knowledge.
The split in the elven race between the surface
dwellers and those who fled deep beneath the earth
created a dangerous imbalance within the slowly
ascending elvish pantheon. The gods intended for the
elves to remain in balance as a pure representation of
how mortals choose to live. Instead, only a handful of
elves who do not serve chaos and good have risen to
become gods in the last three thousand years.
Each elf walking the steps must decide for himself
what powers he will serve. The elves that came
before will provide him with guidance and counsel,
but cannot and will not interfere with his choice.

Steps from Grove to Grove

Recommended
Challenge Step Name Challenge Of: Result Gift
1 Three Rings of Mastery Mirror, Established Magic 1 NA
2 A Race Through Dark Grace, Established Magic 2 NA
Places
3 Forging the Blade of Dawn Creation, Established Magic 3 NA
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Petition the Old Lord Power, Established Immortal’s choice Born to Magic
of covenant term
5 Answering the Ancient Insight, Established Magic 4 NA
Sayings
6 Proof of Elfin Power Life, Established Magic 5 NA
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Four Rings of Mastery Mirror, Established Magic 6 NA
8 Bring Forth the Light Grace, Established Magic 7 NA
9 Proof of Red Blood’s Price Steel, Established Immortal’s choice Bright Brow
of covenant term
Great Challenge 3 Designed by Games Master for character
10 Five Rings of Mastery Mirror, Established Magic 8 NA
11 The Weaving of Stars Power, Established Magic 9 NA
12 Proof of the Future Faith, Established Immortal’s choice Eyes of the
of covenant term Stranger
Great Challenge 4 Designed by Games Master for Character

240

Description
The greatest and most powerful individuals among the
elven people have an opportunity not given to other
mortals. They can, by following a path approved by
the gods, become gods themselves. This spiritual
transformation requires great determination and
ingenuity on their part, as well as an absolute faith in
their place in the universe. This truth, more so than
all of the other reasons combined, helps to explain
elves’ so-called ‘arrogance’ when dealing with other
mortals. They know, because the gods told them so,
that they truly are superior beings.
The Steps from Grove to Grove follow a set, quest-like
format extending back to the dawn of time. The elven
nations guard the wellsprings involved jealously, to
the point of destroying any mortal not of elven blood
who dares to approach them. They will willingly give
up (and in many worlds have given up) everything
except the territory surrounding these places.
Elves who wish to walk the steps must first visit
the ancient Tree of Yu. There, the Immortals
of the elven people test them for their
worthiness and ability. Those
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ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE
that pass these initial tests may step into the tree itself,
where they will face the Three Rings of Mastery.
Should the elf survive he emerges as an Aspirant
Immortal.
Further progress along the path to immortality is made
as the elf journeys along the ‘Great Path’, travelling
from one elven land to another. Within each land he
stops to speak with the elven Immortals and face the
challenge built around the wellspring they guard.
When an elf begins this journey he must set aside
his friendships with non-elves. Other mortals are
not welcome along this path. Even their presence
as travelling companions may prove problematic, as
the elves have long since given up their willingness
to trust their greatest secrets into the hands of other
creatures.
A Wielder’s Great Challenge
Long ago Luinrilion, once a great king among the
elves and now protector of the Tree of Yu, finished his
Proof of Elfin Power (challenge of life) by weaving a
plant capable of restoring life to a man whose heart
was cut out by a wraith’s knife. After centuries of
waiting, he finally issues a call for a Great
Challenge. Powerful deities, mostly
elfin gods of minor stature, consult with
one another and then send forth the
following:
Challenge Order: Challenge of Wit
(secure an orcish Immortals’ artefact
axe), Challenge of Destruction (sneak
into the orc’s most holy wellspring
and there destroy the axe), Challenge
of Creation (use the shards of the axe
to make a new sword for the elven
lord)
His long idle over, Luinrilion must
now steal into the fortress of an orcish
Immortal of great age and stature. There
he must not only steal this brute’s axe, but
he must also humiliate him in front of his
court. Once he escapes Luinrilion must
destroy the axe in the Hall of the Spear
Bearer, where the orc’s god once took
on physical form. From there, he must
retreat to a wellspring of elemental earth,
where he can fend off the angry orcs and
make a new sword to replace the one the
great lord of the elven gods lost in battle a
few years back.
ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

Way of Harmony or a home-cooked meal. Each time he becomes more

The ancient, secret oral lore of the druidic order
contains whispers and fragments suggesting that
some druids walked the long road of apotheosis by
swearing their service to the great spirits who came
into being when the world was made. An able scholar
can put these whispers together well enough to set his
feet on a similar road, a way of harmony with life
leading the druid to become not just a mortal man but,
in time, a god.
Each druid who takes up this path discovers anew one
of the world’s great truths: the powers of magic are
nothing compared to the strength inherent in a single
seed. For every creature dedicated to death, for every
mortal who strives only for his own good, there exist
a million things struggling to bring forth life. Even
if every mortal were to die tomorrow the great cycle
of life would continue and in time bring forth further
intelligent mortals to appreciate its grandeur.
Once a druid sets his feet on the way of harmony he
quickly becomes something both more and less than
mortal. He walks in a world filled with spirits, but
has trouble seeing simple things like a laughing child
enmeshed in the world of spirits he loses a small
piece of what once bound him to mortality. In time
he becomes a god, not unlike the lords of the beasts
and the lords of the green who came before him.
Description
When the first mortals walked among the animals and
the plants they wondered at what they saw. The world
seemed filled with spirits and magic, with possibilities
unbound by the laws limiting mortal actions. As they
developed more sophisticated views of the world,
mortals came to realise they held dominion over the
things of this world and so lost that sense of wonder.
However, the handful of followers who serve in the
old faith still remember what it was like to experience
the wonder of the dawn and the joy of watching a
flower burst into bloom. These mortals continue to
celebrate the ancient mysteries despite the progress
of intellectual knowledge. When modern magicians
laugh at them for their ‘archaic’ beliefs they simply
nod and retreat even further into quiet mysticism.

Way of Harmony
Challenge Step Name Challenge Of: Result Recommended Gift
1 Return to the Past Hunt, Sponsored Animal 1 Brother of the Wild
2 Breaking the Walls of Stone and Destruction, Plant 1 Roots Run Deep
Clay Sponsored
3 Raise up the Broken Soul Life, Sponsored Animal 2 Call Neutral Magical
Beast Champion
Great Challenge 1 Designed by Games Master for character
4 Shatter the Bonds of Silence Hunt, Sponsored Plant 2 Shield of the Will
5 Hold to the Mountain’s Heart Endurance, Tap: Elemental N/A
Sponsored Earth 1
6 Create the Golden Seed Life, Sponsored Plant 3 Wonder Artefact
Great Challenge 2 Designed by Games Master for character
7 Stand Strong over What Once Hunt, Sponsored Animal 3 Weapon Artefact
Was
8 Listen to the Voice of the Wind Mirror, Sponsored Tap: Elemental NA
Wind 1
9 Reach up to the Sky with Green Life, Sponsored Plant 4 Rise from the Ashes
Fingers
Great Challenge 3 Designed by Games Master for character
10 Return the Fire to its Home Hunt, Sponsored Tap: Elemental NA
Fire 1
11 Forge a Heart of Ice and Light
Creation, Tap: Elemental NA
Sponsored Water 1
12 Unleash the Soul Within Life, Sponsored Animal 4 Mountains and Clouds
Great Challenge 4 Designed by Games Master for Character

242
 ASPIRATION TO TRANSCENDENCE

Within contemplation’s silent shroud these mystics

can hear the voices long since drowned out by mortal
minds. They can hear the quiet breath of the great
animal spirits and the growing song of the plants
as they race their way towards the sun. These
voices guide them down a path
to immortality as old as the
mountains, one never intended
for mortals but available to
them nevertheless.

In time, these great spirits go

so far as to actively sponsor
the Immortal on his path
to godhood. They believe,
wrongly as it has proven
time and time again, that one
day a mortal will take their
cause up before the gods once
again. Instead, so far all of the
mortals to Transcend along
this path have become lords
of the beasts and the green,
treating their former mentors no
better than any other tool.

Yet still the spirits hope and still

they wait for a mortal to champion
them.

An Immortal’s
Great Challenge of
Transcendence
Astley, once a druid priest and now an Immortal for
almost two thousand years, finally sets about issuing
a Great Challenge to Transcend. The great spirits
answer his call with the hope that he will rise high
hollow formed by the First Tree’s roots. There he
to take their needs before the gods. Keeping this in
may meditate upon the truths he believes in while the
mind the Games Master designs the following Great
animals and plants slowly rebuild his body. Once they
Challenge:
do so, an Immortal dedicated to the abstract power of
knowledge will come to question him on his beliefs.
Challenge Order: Challenge of Endurance (hanging
If, despite his adversary’s best efforts, he can hold to
upon the First Tree), Challenge of Will (retaining
them, Astley will finally Transcend the mortal coil to
focus in the darkness before the dawn), Challenge of
become a god in truth as well as power.
Faith (holding true to the druidic creed)

In one month’s time, on the first day of the new

moon, Astley must submit to be bound and nailed to
the First Tree by his fellow Immortals. Once bound
there he will hang for nine days and nine nights. If
he survives, the animals will let him down into a

243
IMMORTAL CHARACTERS
Immortal Characters
T
he following characters illustrate a few of
the myriad Immortals characters might
encounter as they adventure through the
world. These Immortals stand at three separate
stages of the Immortal journey: one has just begun
to explore the Immortal world, one has found a
comfortable place for himself and the other long
ago transcended the mortal coil.
Nancarus –
Transcendent Great
Wyrm Red Dragon
Colossal Dragon (Fire)
Hit Dice: 40d12+400 (660hp)
Initiative: +4
Speed: 40 ft. (8 squares), fly 200 ft. (clumsy)
Armour Class: 41 (–8 size, +39 natural) touch 2,
flat-footed 41
Base Attack/Grapple: +40/+73
Attack: +49 melee (bite 4d8+17)
Full Attack: +49 melee (bite 4d8+17), +44 melee
(4d6+8, 2 claws), +44 melee (2d8+8, 2 wings),
+44 melee (4d6+25, 1 tail slap)
Space/Reach: 30 ft./20 ft. (30 ft. with bite)
Special Attacks: Breath weapon, crush, frightful
presence, snatch, spell-like abilities, tail sweep
Special Qualities: Damage reduction 20/magic,
immunity to fire, sleep and paralysis, immortal
gifts, low-light vision, spell resistance 32,
vulnerability to cold
Saves: Fort +32, Ref +22, Will +30
Abilities: Str 45, Dex 10, Con 31, Int 26, Wis 27,
Cha 26
Skills: Appraise +33, Bluff +51, Channel +28,
Concentration +53, Diplomacy +23, Escape
Artist +23, Infuse +28, Intimidate +51, Jump
+40, Knowledge (arcana) +44, Knowledge
(geography) +32, Knowledge (history) +32,
Knowledge (nature) +29, Knowledge (planes)
+42, Knowledge (religion) +31, Listen +43,
Search +43, Sense Motive +51, Spot +53, Use
Magic Device +51
Feats: Alertness, Bane Spell, Cleave, Empower
Spell, Extend Spell, Flyby Attack, Hover,
Improved Initiative, Improved Sunder, Maximise
Spell, Power Attack, Widen Spell, Wingover
Challenge Rating: 40
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
244
From the darkness you hear rasping laughter
that races along your bones. Two lamp-like eyes,
golden with such malice even the gods would
tremble, cast a lazy gaze down upon you…
Nancarus has reigned over the Court of Shadows
for ten thousand years. He is a god-emperor, the
alpha and omega of the chromatic dragon world.
His wise old face shows ancient evil and equally
ancient wit, honed through the years into weapons
capable of challenging the gods.
Although ageless, time has weathered this ancient
great wyrm a bit. He is lean rather than muscular
and his neck in particular looks extremely bony.
His once glossy red scales long ago sunk to the
colour of a burning ember.
The Immortal Lord of the Court of Shadows long
ago burned away anything mortal from his spirit.
He wields absolute power over his followers and
will not hesitate to destroy anything that threatens
him, them or his plans for the inevitable ascension
of chromatic dragon-kind.
His only true foe, Yi the Immortal Dragon of the
Sun and Stars, rarely puts in an appearance in the
mortal realms. She would rather spend her time
floating high above the clouds, watching mortals
toil through their terrible troubles, rather than get
down into the mud and muck.
Combat
Nancarus does not engage in combat with weak
mortal creatures. However, if forced into combat
by one of his peers he can use the following
abilities:
Breath Weapon (Ex): 70 ft. cone, damage 24d10
fire, Reflex save DC 40 half.
Crush (Ex): Area 20 feet by 20 feet; Large or
smaller opponents take 4d6+25 bludgeoning
damage and must succeed on a DC 40 Reflex save
or be pinned; grapple bonus +73.
Frightful Presence (Ex): 360 ft. radius, HD 40 or
less, Will DC 38 negates.

Spell-Like Abilities: 12/day – locate object; 3/day
– suggestion; 1/day – discern location, find path.
Spells: As a 19th level sorcerer
Sorcerer Spells Known: (6/8/8/8/8/7/7/7/7/5); save
DC 18 + spell level); 0 – arcane mark, dancing
lights, detect magic, ghost sound, guidance, mage
hand, prestidigitation, read magic, resistance;
1st – alarm, chill touch, divine favour, magic
missile, shield; 2nd – cat’s grace, cure moderate
wounds, darkness, detect thoughts, invisibility; 3rd
– deeper darkness, dispel magic, haste, protection
from elements; 4th – charm monster, emotion,
restoration, spell immunity; 5th – circle of doom,
feeblemind, shadow evocation, 6th – acid fog,
forbiddance, heal; 7th – blaspheme, word of chaos,
245
IMMORTAL CHARACTERS
firestorm; 8th – create greater undead, greater
spell immunity, incendiary cloud; 9th – elemental
swarm, implosion.
Tail Sweep (Ex): 40 ft. half circle, 2d8+25
bludgeoning damage to Medium or smaller
opponents, Reflex save DC 40 for half damage.
Immortal Abilities
In addition to his fearsome draconic abilities
Nancarus also wields the power of a Transcendent
Immortal. In many ways these powers make him
even more fearsome than the other great wyrms;
they can destroy a nation while he could destroy
the world if the whim struck him.
Apotheosis Step: Transcendent
Title: Transcendent Soul of Crystal
Fire and Wonder
Total Victories: 12 (Tap: Abstract
Magic 4, Tap: Elemental Fire 6, Tap:
Elemental Earth 2)
Great Challenges: 4
Aura: 66 (15 invested)
Banes: Poet’s Folly, Slow Speech
Blessings: Mantle of Fire, Path of
Stone, Spellweaver
Tap into Abstract Magic (4
Victories)
Channel Bonus: +4 (+32 total)
Infuse Bonus: +8 (+36 total)
Wellsprings: God’s Drums 2,
Sargon’s Stone 2
Call Fire Elemental Commander
Numen Gift
Rise from the Ashes
Attribute Gift
Base Bonus: Rise from the dead in
30 days.
Total Bonus: Aura 5, 4/1, 20: Rise
from the dead in 10 days.
IMMORTAL CHARACTERS

Unbound from the Wheel Sebastian the

Attribute Gift
Base Bonus: Gain the ability to take many forms Shadow Souled
after Transcending Medium Undead Wizard 20
Hit Dice: 20d12 (135hp)
Voice of the Stranger Initiative: +3
Attribute Gift Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Base Bonus: +2 to all abilities Armour Class: 23, touch 23, flatfooted 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+10
Tap into Elemental Earth (2 Victories) Attack: Touch +10 melee (negative energy pulse),
Channel Bonus: +4 (+32 total) or ray +13 ranged (negative energy invest)
Infuse Bonus: +2 (+30 total) Full Attack: Touch +10 melee (negative energy
Wellspring: Nancarus’ Cave (2) pulse), or ray +13 ranged (negative energy invest)
Special Qualities: Immortal abilities, undead
Eternal Youth qualities
Attribute Gift Saves: Fort: +6, Ref: +9, Will: +13
Base Bonus: Regress to the prime of youth Abilities: Str 10, Dex 14 (16), Con –, Int 20 (26),
Wis 12, Cha 8
Call Earth Elemental Seneschal Skills*: Channel +11, Concentration +20, Craft
Numen Gift (alchemy) +15, Craft (gemcutting) +10, Decipher
Script +18, Infuse +19, Knowledge (arcana) +18,
Tap into Elemental Fire (6 Victories) Knowledge (history) +18, Knowledge (planes)
Channel Bonus: +6 (+34 total) +15, Spellcraft +18
Infuse Bonus: +12 (+40 total) Feats: Brew Potion, Craft Wondrous Item, Forge
Wellsprings: Heart of the Unknown Fire (6) Ring, Heighten Spell, Maximise Spell, Quicken
Spell, Scribe Scroll, Silent Spell, Spell Master
Born to Magic (3x), Still Spell
Attribute Gift Challenge Rating: 27
Base bonus: Automatically apply empower spell Alignment: Neutral Evil
to 1st level spells
Total Bonus: Aura10, 4/1, 40 bonus empower *Sebastian speaks and reads 24 languages. The
spell to 9th level (18 bonus), widen spell to 7th level Games Master can assume he can converse in the
(21 bonus), extended spell to 1st level (1 bonus) native language of any creature he encounters.

Dominion over Elemental Earth Possessions: Amulet of natural armour +2,

Power Gift bracers of armour +6, ring of protection +2,
gloves of Dexterity +2, headband of intellect +6.
Dominion over Elemental Fire
Power Gift The shadows solidify around you as crushing
cold causes mist to fall from the air. Through
Dominion over Elemental Wind the darkness you can make out the form of a tall,
Power Gift thin man clutching an ironshod staff with bony
hands…
Dominion over Mythic Chaos
Power Gift Sebastian took his place among the Immortals
so long ago only Nancarus (and potentially Yi)
Dominion over Mythic Evil can remember a time without him. His power
Power Gift is sufficient to keep most troublemakers off his
doorstep, while attracting those who might be
of use to him. More than one would-be hero has
disturbed his tomb only to become fodder for the
next experiment.

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 IMMORTAL CHARACTERS

Sebastian was an old man, old enough to have lost
most of his muscle to the wasting of age, before
he became Immortal. He wears soiled robes and a
broken/mended rope belt. As he has transitioned
into lich-hood his eyes have been replaced with
burning red embers, while his flesh continues to
shrink down to his bones. Magic manifests in his
every motion as little shards of shadows falling
from his fingers as they move through the air.
Although no one else remembers his history,
Sebastian still feels the driving fear of death that
led him to sacrifice his kingdom, his people and
his own new-born son to the powers of darkness
in return for eternal life. He will deal summarily
with anything he perceives as a threat. He also
spends enormous amounts of arcane and Immortal
energy securing his domain from trespassers.
Anyone, mortal, Immortal or god, walking on his
lands without permission will suffer his wrath.
Combat
Wizard Spells Known: (4/6/6/6/6/5/5/5/5/4; Save
DC 16 + spell level): Sebastian has access to all
wizard/sorcerer spells from Core Rulebook I, he
will prepare spells in accordance with his needs
of the moment.

Immortal Attributes
In addition to his impressive
magical abilities Sebastian
wields the power of a true
Immortal. He has focused on
the dominion over elemental
forces and the development of a
handful of powerful servants.

Apotheosis Step: Immortal

Title: Immortal Shadowed Soul
of Power
Total Victories: 10 (Tap:
Elemental Negative Energy 10)
Great Challenges: 3

Aura: 35 (21 invested)

Banes: Ebon eyes, eternal cold,
touched by shadow
Blessings: Draw in the light,
night’s soothing hand, path to
midnight

Tap into Negative Energy

(10 Victories)
Channel Bonus: +10 (+21
total)
Infuse Bonus: +20 (+39 total)
Wellsprings: The Grasping Pool
of Kork’klaz (4), Hall of Eternal
Night (2), Vale of Midnight
Crystals (4)

247
IMMORTAL CHARACTERS

Call Evil Infernal Advisor Walther – Aspirant

Numen Gift
Swordsman
Call Evil Infernal Champion Medium Human Paladin 15
Numen Gift Hit Dice: 15d10+15 (102hp)
Initiative: –1
Call Evil Undead Commander Speed: 20 ft. (4 squares)
Numen Gift Armour Class: 26, touch 10, flat-footed 26
Dread Wraith: 16 Aura, 5 levels of sorcerer and Base Attack/Grapple: +15/+17
+15 CR to legion, marshal a host to kill every Attack: +3 longsword +21 melee (1d8+5 plus 2d6
firstborn male in Hartridge to evil creatures/17-20) or +1 composite longbow
(+2 Str bonus) +15 ranged (1d8+3/x3)
Call Evil Undead Sentinel Full Attack: +21/+16/+11 melee (1d8+5 plus 2d6
Numen Gift to evil creatures/17-20, +3 longsword) or +15/
+10/+5 ranged (1d8+3/x3, +1 composite longbow
Dominion over Elemental Negative Energy (+2 Str bonus))
Power Gift Special Attacks: Smite evil 4/day, turn undead
11/day
Dominion over Elemental Wind Special Qualities: Aura of courage, aura of good,
Power Gift detect evil, divine grace, divine health, empathic
link with mount, heavy warhorse mount, lay on
Frozen Heart hands, remove disease 4/week, share spells with
Attribute Gift mount
Base Bonus: undead type Saves: Fort +14, Ref +10, Will +13
Total Bonus: 4 Aura, 20 bonus points: 1d6–6 Abilities: Str 14, Dex 8, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 14,
(min 0) damage from the sun per round, Will save Cha 19
22 to use gifts in sunlight Skills: Concentration +19, Heal +20, Ride +17
Feats: Extra Turning, Improved Critical
Mastery of Mythic Evil (longsword), Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes,
Power Gift Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Weapon Focus
(longsword)
Mastery of Mythic Law Challenge Rating: 17
Power Gift Alignment: Lawful Good

Mountains and Clouds Possessions: +3 full plate, +3 heavy steel

Attribute Gift shield, ring of protection +1, +3 longsword, +1
Base Bonus: Successful save redirects effect into composite longbow, 10 normal arrows, 10 +2
the environment arrows, 10 cold iron arrows, 10 silvered arrows,
8 adamantine arrows, cloak of Charisma +2, 2
potions of cure moderate wounds, 2 potions of
cure serious wounds

Tall, strong, clad in shining plate mail and riding

a charger so white it gleams in the sun – none
could mistake the man before you for anything
other than a paladin on a mission from his gods.
Or at least, a paladin who thinks his gods have
demanded his service…

248

When he was young, Walther sat on his father’s
knee listening to tales of glory and wonder. He
thrilled to the stories of the great battles of yore,
when mighty men did glorious deeds in the name
of right and worthy causes. During those long
dreamy nights he swore he would restore the age
of legend to this fallen world.
When the time came Walther chose to follow
his god-heroes’ footsteps, taking on the greatest
enemies of his age one by one in his quest to
become just like the stories say a man should
be. He is a tall, muscular young man armed with
exceptional self-confidence and an absolute belief
in his own destiny. Long, blonde hair, a handsome
face and broad shoulders accent his ‘place’ as the
hero of every tale.
249
IMMORTAL CHARACTERS
He has just passed through his first two challenges
and has not yet realised the dangers he faces.
His sword (an artefact gift) and armour (another
artefact gift) shine with his intense confidence.
As he moves towards his next conflict, Walther
prepares himself for what will come by singing
tales of his own glory to himself.
Combat
Paladin Spells Prepared (3/2/1/1: save DC 14 +
spell level); 1st – bless weapon (2), divine favour;
2nd – bull’s strength, shield other; 3rd – heal mount;
4th – holy sword.
Immortal Abilities
Walther is young as Immortals go; he has not yet
even passed his mortal maturity. There are those
in the Immortal Hosts who worry that
such a young man could come so far, so
quickly.
Apotheosis Step: Aspirant
Title: Aspirant to the Blade
Total Victories: 2 (Covenant with the
Hero God (War 2))
Great Challenges: 0
Aura: 2 (2 invested)
Banes: None
Blessings: None
Covenant with the Hero God
(War 2)
Channel: +4, +6 for attribute gifts
Infuse: +6, +8 for attribute gifts
Covenant Manifestation: None
Holy Blade of the Hero God
Weapon Artefact Gift (War 1, Covenant,
Longsword)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1
Aura/5PP): +3 bonus, holy
Holy Armour of the Hero God
Armour Artefact Gift (War 2, Covenant,
Full Plate armour)
Power Point Threshold/Initial PP (1
Aura/5PP): +3 bonus, spell resistance
13
 INDEX

Index
A Avatar of Magic 36
Abstract Powers 26 Bastion of Dreams 36
Hate 26 Dreamer’s Curse 35
Aura of Woe 28 Fate’s Fancy 36
Avatar of Hate 27 Gods’ Drums 36
Bastion of Hate 28 Kiss of the Dreamer 36
Bleeding Land 28 Poet’s Folly 35
Blinded Eyes 27 Portal to Many Worlds 36
Cold Fire 28 Sargon’s Stone 37
Eye of the Mountain 28 Spellweaver 35
Hate’s Hands 28 Students of the Secret Fire 36
Hate’s Strength 27 Tree of Yu 37
Hate’s Voice 27 Whispered Dreams 36
Heart of Hate 27 Protection 37
Korin’s Last Stand 29 Aegis of the Sea 39
One Stands Alone 27 Aura of Warding 38
Shrivelled Soul 27 Chamber of Ages 39
Well of Bile 29 Entombed 38
Knowledge 29 Hidebound 38
Aura of Truth 31 Immovable 38
Avatar of Knowledge 30 Inevitable 38
Bastion of Hidden Wisdom 31 Monks of the Silent Hand 39
Books of Wisdom and Truth 31 Moonlit Sanctuary 39
Curse of Wisdom 30 Nature’s Guarding Hand 38
Fate’s Fool 30 Sanctuary 38
Library of the Last Truth 31 Stones of Fire and Shadow 40
Sage’s Insight 30 Triumph 40
Speak Truth 30 Aura of Victory 41
The Still Pool at the Heart of Forever 31 Bastion of the Champion 41
The Throne of Kings and Fools 32 Champion’s Laurel 41
Voices of the Land 31 Coliseum 42
Voice of Ages 30 Competitive 41
Warriors of Enlightenment 31 Compulsive Motion 41
Love 32 Future’s Voice 41
Ancient Standing Stones 34 Gladiators of the Greatest Game 41
Aura of Shining Light 34 Grove of Champions 42
Avatar of Love 33 Heart of the Champion 40
Bastion of Hope 34 Land of Games 41
Bound by the Threefold Law 33 Victory’s Right Hand 41
Defenders of the Future 34 Well of Ill-omens 42
Encompassing Heart 33 An Aspirant’s Great Challenge 240
Fertile Lands 34 An Illuminated’s Great Challenge 238
Healing Hands 33 An Immortal’s Great Challenge of Transcendence 243
Servant of the Threefold Law 33 Apotheosis 8
Slave of the Threefold Law 33 Roleplaying Apotheosis 9
Tears of the Angels 33 The Steps of Apotheosis 9
The Lover’s Leap 34 Artefacts 139
The Tree of Life 35 Artefacts After Death 140
Tree of Heart’s Ease 34 Artefact Abilities 144
Voice of Compassion 33 Artefact Channel and Infuse 142
Magic 35 Artefact Intelligence 143
Aura of Wonder 36 Building an Artefact Gift 140

250
 INDEX

Destroying Artefacts 140 D

Ego 144 Damnation 234
Example Artefact Gifts 144 Designing Primal Powers, Blessings and Banes 25
Power Points 142 Dragons and Immortality 8
Recognising Artefacts 139
Recording Artefact Gifts 141
Templates and Power Points for Artefacts 141 E
What Power Points Buy 143 Elemental Powers 42
Assigned vs. Chosen Gifts 139 Earth 43
Attributes 145 Aura of Weight 44
Associated and Forbidden Powers 146 Bastion of the Mountain’s Heart 44
Attribute: Channel and Infuse 146 Earth’s Steady Hand 44
Attribute Descriptions 147 Hard Bones 44
Recording Attribute Gifts 147 Knights of the Mountain Heart 45
Aura 10 Nancarus’ Cave 45
Aura’s Effect on Immortals 11 Path to Stone 44
Aura’s Effect on Mortals 11 Slow Speech 44
Aura’s Uses 12 Stone’s Truth 44
A Wielder’s Great Challenge 236, 241 Sunken Bones 44
The Stone of Forever 45
Tree of Silver and Gold 45
B Veins of the Earth 45
Blessings and Banes 24 Weight of the Mountain 44
World’s Bones 45
C Fire 45
Aura of Flame 47
Challenges, Quests, Tests and Trials 190 Bastion of the Consuming Fire 47
Recreate a Challenge at a Wellspring 191 Bridge of the Sun 48
Seeking Out a Challenge to Face 190 Cathedral of the Purifying Flame 48
Stumble onto a Challenge through Fate or Luck 191 Dreams of Flame 47
Undertake a God’s Challenge 192 Fire’s Freeing Hand 47
Challenges Immortals Face 195 Flame in the Sea 48
Challenge Descriptions 195 Knights of the Flame 48
List of Challenges 196 Mantle of Fire 46
Setting the Stage 195 Path to Fire 46
Channel 133 Phoenix Eyes 47
Increase a Gift’s Strength 134 Scorched Earth 47
Remove Aura from Artefact 135 Secret Fire 47
Remove Aura from Numen 135 Unfettered Flames 46
Resist Suppression 134 White Flame 48
Sustain Gift Below Threshold 134 Negative 52
Collective Powers 95 Aura of Stillness 53
Animals 95 Bastion of Hunger 53
Moon 97 Drained Earth 54
Nations 100 Draw in the Light 53
Plants 99 Ebon Eyes 53
Stars 101 Eternal Cold 53
Sun 103 Knights of the Shadows 54
Covenants and Illegitimate or Optional Terms 80 Mirror of Darkness 54
Covenant and Tap Bonuses 136 Night’s Soothing Hand 53
Covenant in the Game World 92 Path to Midnight 53
Covenant Name 92 Shadowed Heart 53
Physical Representation 92 Shadowed Vale of Ancient Sorrows 54
Skill Bonuses and Covenants 93 The Grasping Pool of Kork’klaz 54

251
 INDEX

The Tomb of Pudjo 55 Attributes 137

Touched by Shadows 53 Numen 137
Positive 48 Powers 138
Aura of Light 50
Bastion of Leaping Lights 50
Blazing Heart 49 G
Crystal of Infinite Worlds 50 Gifts, Abilities and Opposed Powers 139
First Fire Home 51 Gifts and Skills 14
Heart of Light 50 Artefacts, Attributes, Numen and Powers: The Im-
Knights of the Blazing Sun 50 mortal Gifts 14
Light from the Corners 50 Channel and Infuse: The Immortal Skills 16
Path to the Light 49 Immortal Skills and Apotheosis 17
Shining Bright 50 Gifts and Standard Ability Classifications 137
Shining Ember 49 Glossary 5
Sun’s Harsh Hand 50 Gods 104
The Hall of Stars 51 Air 105
Thunder’s Peak 52 Animal 106
Touched by Mystery 49 Chaos 107
Water 55 Death 108
Aura of Waves 56 Destruction 110
Bastion of the Deeps 57 Earth 111
Beach of the Shells 58 Evil 112
Cave of Souls and Thunder 58 Fire 114
Dream of the Waves 56 Good 115
Dust in the Wind 60 Healing 116
Gliding Steps 56 Knowledge 117
Graceful Motion 56 Law 118
Infinite Pool 57 Luck 120
Knights of the Deep 57 Magic 121
Path to the Waves 56 Plant 122
Turgid Flow 56 Protection 123
Water’s Rolling Hand 56 Strength 125
Wave-stroked Lands 57 Sun 126
Well of Quiet Voices 58 Travel 127
Wind 59 Trickery 129
Aura of Winds 60 War 130
Bastion of Storms 60 Water 131
Cave of Voices 60 Granting Powers 77
Driven before the Storm 60 Granting Powers and Covenant Description 95
Heart of the Hurricane 60 Granting Powers and Maximum Victories 79
Knights of the Storm 60 Granting Power Categories: Collectives and Gods 78
Path to the Wind 59 Gods and Multiple Domains 79
Thunder Reach 61 Great Challenge 224
Tree of Woe 61 Abandoning a Great Challenge 226
Voice of the Wind 59 Competing in the Great Challenge 226
Wind’s Conclave 61 Constructing a Great Challenge 225
Wind’s Lifting Hand 60 Failing a Great Challenge 226
Wind’s Messenger 59 Players, Characters and Immortal Roles 226
Wind’s Touch 60 Qualifying for a Great Challenge 224
Requesting a Great Challenge 225
Results of a Great Challenge 224
F
Feats 18
Four Great Gifts 137 H
Artefacts 137 Hosts and Deific Courts 231

252
 INDEX

I Driven Selfishness 67
Immortals, Challenges and the Mortal World 231 Evil’s Manifestations 66
Immortals and Alignment 61 Evil’s Taint 67
Immortals and Gods 18 Hands of Darkness 68
Immortals and Skills 136 Heartfelt Fear 67
Immortals and the Grant of Power 230 Lord of Evil 67
Immortal Arts 133 Sense of Good 66
Immortal Hosts 229 Sickly Flame 68
Immortal Organisation 227 The Darkness Under the Mountain 69
Immortal Path 12 The Hanging Tree 69
Creating Paths to Immortality 13 The Strength of One 67
What are Challenges? 12 Twisted Spirit 67
What are Great Challenges? 13 Good 69
What does Victory bring? 13 Aura of Light 71
Immortal Rank and Titles 228 Bastion of Hope 71
Immortal Roles Establishing a Challenge 193 Defenders of the Right 71
Advocate 194 Good’s Signs 70
Antagonist 193 Hope’s Light 71
Assistant 194 Lord of Good 71
Guide 194 Quality of Mercy 70
Impediment 194 Quiet Altar 71
Resource 195 Selfless Sacrifice 70
Infuse 135 Sense of Evil 70
Increase a Gift’s Strength 135 Shining Throne 72
Retrieve Aura from Infused Power 136 Soul’s Sacrifice 71
Scry Around Infused Target 136 St. Aleric’s Tomb 72
Suppress Gifts 136 Tender Heart 70
The Strength of Many 70
Tower of the Ascendance 73
M Law 73
Mortal Advancement 136 Aura of Stability 75
Mythic Powers 61 Bastion of Law 75
Chaos 62 Bound to the Wheel 75
Aura of Freedom 64 Crystal Pool 75
Bastion of Many Worlds 64 Crystal Throne 76
Broken Chains 64 Disharmony’s Discord 74
By Chaos Touched 63 Law’s Dictates 74
Chaos’ Kin 64 Law’s Enforcers 75
Chaotic Heart 63 Law’s Stasis 74
Chaotic Voice 63 Law’s Symphony 74
Freedom’s Touch 64 Library of All Things 76
Grove among the Pines 65 Light of the Law 74
Guardians of Choice 65 Lord of Law 75
Hall of the Myriad Selves 65 Peace in Root and Branch 75
Lord of Chaos 64 The Hall of Creation 76
Many-Hued Throne 65 Wheel of the Law 74
Pool of Colours 64
Sense of Law 63
Speak with Many Voices 63 N
Evil 65 Nancarus 244
Aura of Shadow 67 Nature of the Collective Powers 94
Bastion of Horrors 67 Numen 164
Bone Throne 68 Duties of the Numen 166
Corrupted Stone 68 Advisor 167
Archon 167

253
 INDEX

Champion 168 Spirit of the Law 80

Companion 168 Valid Petitioners 81
Seneschal 169 Bonds 82
Sentinel 169 Bond Awareness and Deterioration 83
Example Numen Gifts 170 Modifications to a Bond 82
Names of the Numen 166 Commitments 83
Numen: Channel and Infuse 164 Terms of Commitment 83
Recording Numen Gifts 165 The Call of Duty 84
Using Numen Gifts 166 Defaulting on and Atoning for Covenants 91
Why do Numen Serve? 165 Nemesis 85
Numen Gift in Action 165 Modifications to the Nemesis Relationship 85
The Price of Obsession 86
Offerings 86
P Modifications to Offerings 86
Path of Darkest Night 237 The Rites of Offering 88
Path of Flame and Fortune 239 Quests 88
Path of the God-King 235 Modifications to the Quest 89
Picking Gifts 138 The Hero’s Cycle and the Cycle of Time 89
Powers 171 Rituals 90
Combining the Six Elements 177 Modifications to Rituals 90
Created Items Bonus Point Costs 172 Performing a Ritual Properly 91
Power: Channel and Infuse 171 The Place of Dragons 16
Recording Power Gifts 172 The Three Epics 3
Shadows on the Wall 172 Classical Games 3
The Ten Powers 172 High-Level Games 3
Predators 138, 231 Hybrid Games 3
Consumers 232 Traditions of the Immortals 227
Drinkers 232
Shadows 172
Sycophants 233 W
Thieves 233 Walther - Aspirant Swordsman 248
Primal Powers and Transcendence 24 Way of Harmony 242
Primal Power Entry Explanation 25 Wellsprings of Power 21
Blocking Wellsprings 23
Describing Wellsprings 23
R Destroying Wellsprings 22
Replacing Wellspring Defenders 28 Finding and Creating Wellsprings 21
Roles Within a Challenge 195 Primal Powers: Abstract, Elemental, Mythic 21
What are Immortals? 7
Who Qualifies to Become an Immortal? 7
S Worlds Within Worlds 17
Sebastian the Shadow Souled 246
Skill Points and the Immortal 136
Sources of Power: Covenants and Taps 13
Steps from Grove to Grove 240

T
Terms of the Covenant 79
Allegiances 80
Forbidden Aid 81
Letter of the Law 80
Modifications to an Allegiance 81
Petitioning Details 81
Petition Time 81

254

Designer’s Notes
T
he Book of Immortals did not turn out as I
planned. Mind you, books of this size never
turn out as the writer planned, we just have
to accept that as part of the job. Things change,
life continues and we move on. In this case though,
The Book of Immortals really did not turn out like I
planned. So much so that it barely looks like the book
I set out to write.
The original mandate for the book asked the Mongoose
writers to create a d20 supplement to enable epic-
level play without treading over the same old ‘epic’
rules. We needed to create something bigger, grander
and more involving than the ‘fight another monster,
get another feat’ structure inherent in d20.
From the resulting slew of ideas grew a pile of
manuscripts that, in time, ended up on my desk.
Within a week I entered the final throes of buying a
house, then moving and then finally assisting with the
delivery of my firstborn child. As you skim through
the book you can probably tell exactly what I had to
do while writing each section: contemplations on the
joys of life go with pre-childbirth activities, while
angry polemics against the power elites match up to
any time I had to deal with a bank.
As these elements slowly came together I also realised
this book created a completely separate game that ran
alongside, but did not interfere with, the progression
of mortal characters. It, in effect, adds a whole new
layer of reality to existing games. This structure both
helps and hurts the book. It helps in that the Games
Master can easily introduce the elements without
greatly disturbing an existing game. However, the
linkages between the two ‘game worlds’ can make
said introduction extremely difficult.
Once I realised exactly what the book wanted to
become I restructured the contents. The complicated
game of Immortal Politics went by the wayside,
perhaps to appear in a later supplement. Its page count
went to enhance the character-focused aspects of the
game, specifically the tap and covenant descriptions
as well as adding additional gifts for players to muck
around with.
This restructuring affected more than just the
proportion of the contents. For example, the original
draft of the rules for numen looked a great deal like
an enhanced version of the summon monster spells.
Over time they evolved into an entirely new kind of
255
DESIGNER'S NOTES
action, allowing the character to do everything from
summon a ‘riding’ spirit a la voodoo or call up a
sorcerer wraith and his nine minions.
The ‘wacky’ rules for Channel and Infuse, as well
as the highly complex alignment of skills, taps,
covenants and gifts, grew in a similar fashion. The
original rules used a unified bonus structure with
a highly regimented effect set based on the power
source. However, it read more like a war-game or
a stereo manual, so I started to break it down. The
result is the highly interconnected mass you have in
your hands: a deliberately complex system designed
to, dare I say it, amuse a player for hours as he builds
a perfectly optimised character.
This idea leads us to the division between mortal
heroes and Immortals. Mortal heroes, despite their
power, remain a part of the world. They fight, live,
love and die in actions writ large by their personal
power and the choices they make. Immortals, on the
other hand, exist in a much more constrained fashion.
Their power may resemble that of gods, rather than
mortal men, but so too do their limits.
Those limits force Immortals to rely on their mortal
hero friends. An Immortal, hedged in with primal
powers and ancient restrictions, cannot just turn his
back on his responsibilities. These responsibilities
trap him, forcing him to act in specific ways in order
to avoid the disastrous consequences following a loss
of power. A mortal hero, though, owes his power only
to himself. If he angers a god or breaks an ancient
law or two on the way to doing something that needs
doing, well these things happen.
So, where to now? Do your characters want to
become the heroes of legend, men and women who
help and hinder the gods in equal measure? Do they
want to set aside the limits of mortal power for the
infinite reaches of divinity? Do they want to cheat
death forever or accept it as part of the price they pay
for the freedom to do as they wish?
Whatever your characters choose, we hope it makes
for a great game. That, after all, is what we set out
to write.
Good luck and good gaming!
Shannon
 LICENSE
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15 COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of
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System Reference Document Copyright 2000-2004,
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Open game content from The Book of Immortals copyright
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